Librarian and dedicated mother, Alice was a much-loved selfless woman
The late Alice Mahon
ALICE MAHON from Pairc Mhuire, formerly Kilree Street, Bagenalstown, died in her 98th year on 11 February in the loving care of the Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow.
Alice was born on 17 March 1927 in Ballaghderneen, Fenagh to Samuel and Margaret Leech. Originally a family of 13, but unfortunately in 1921, Alice Snr, Thomas, John and Margaret lost their lives to consumption when they were very young. Alice was named after her older sister who had died in 1921. In 1944, when Alice was 17, her brother Joe died at age four due to diphtheria. This had a profound effect on her.
Alice worked hard from an early age to help her family financially. She would send money home, along with parcels. During her work in some of the stately homes in Ireland and Eaton Hall in England caring for the lady of the house, she would often be gifted beautiful jewellery and other items, but would always give them away to her family members, showing how selfless she was.
One of the ladies she looked after saw something more in Alice and wanted for her to go further in life, but Alice always thought she was not good enough for this and politely declined these offers.
In her day, Alice was a stunning 5ft 9” lady, who loved her fashion and was a real lady.
Alice caught the eye of Michael Mahon, who hailed from Augha, when she was on a visit home to see her family. They married on 12 July 1954 and were by each other’s side for 22 years until Michael was taken far too early on 8 March 1976 at the age of 61. Alice was only 50 at the time.
This was very tough on Alice. Their youngest child was only nine at the time, but Alice picked herself up and continued on as always.
Alice got a job working as an assistant librarian in Bagenalstown, often sitting down and reading with children and also being an agony aunt for people coming in for a chat.
At the age of 72, Alice reluctantly retired from the library, a job she loved and cherished. During her retirement she loved spending time with her grandchildren reading, drawing, playing outdoors and encouraging them to be the best they could.
She was also an excellent knitter and many new arrivals in Bagenalstown were fitted out with baby cardigans, blankets and hats, ensuring the newborns were kept warm.
Alice also prided herself in gardening and working outdoors right into her 90s, testimony to her hard work and endeavour.
Twice-weekly visits to St Lazarian’s Day Care were also a highlight for Alice, meeting her friends, playing bingo, cards and chatting, something she looked forward to every week.
Alice lived in her home until her 97th year, where she was cared for by her daughter Angela.
In her final year, Alice went into the Sacred Heart Hospital in Carlow, where the staff loved her and vice-versa. She would always ask them “Have you eaten or rested yourself? Don’t be killing yourself working” – to the very end, Alice was always caring about others.
Alice was the most selfless person and the staff of Sacred Heart, where she was so well cared for, are testimony to this, as well as everyone who knew her. This was evident in the lovely comments from those who came to pay their final respects at Cushen’s Funeral Home, Bagenalstown as well as the many cards and messages on RIP.ie, which the family really appreciate.
Fr Declan Foley officiated the ceremony, giving a lovely eulogy. Her grandchildren Jeff, Dawn, Jack, Katie and Daniel all did readings and prayers. Her daughter Angela offered prayers for all the carers and particularly those carers in the Sacred Heart Hospital. Alice’s good friends Katheen Cox offered prayers while Bernie Brennan brought up symbolic gifts, with final words by her son-in-law Dominic.
Alice was laid to rest beside her husband Michael in the Cemetery of Assumption, Bagenalstown, having received a send-off befitting the lovely person she was.
Alison Behan sang Alice’s favourite hymns during the ceremony, with a final parting song by Jim Reeves, which was also sung beautifully.
A lone piper led the funeral cortège and Alison sang as Alice was laid to rest.
Alice will be sadly missed by her daughters Catherine and Angela, sons Ger and John, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sisters Lil (Australia) and France (Scotland), son-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, kind neighbours and friends.
