The death took place on Monday July 27 of Eileen Staunton, Curra Davitt, Killadoon, Louisburgh, and formerly of West Midlands England at the age of 67 years.
Eileen passed away at Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar. The news of her death was received with much sadness and shock by the many people who knew her throughout the locality.
Eileen will be remembered for her great kindness and generosity to others. Even through her illness she would always have a smile upon her face to greet visitors when people called to see her at her home or in the hospital.
Eileen first came to Ireland at the age of 22 years to care for her father-in-law Michael Staunton who passed away on October 17 1965. She returned to England and then in August 1986 moved back to Ireland with her husband Martin and their four children to live in Curra Davitt with Martin’s brother Anthony. Sadly Anthony passed away on January 2 2006.
Eileen was devoted to her family and will be sadly missed by her husband Martin, daughters Maria (Castlebar ), Kathleen (Louisburgh ), Bernie (Galway ), son Martin (Castlebar ), grandchildren, great-granddaughter, son in-laws, sister in-laws, nephew, niece, and other relatives and many friends.
Following the wake at the family home in Curra Davitt the removal took place to the Holy Family Church on Thursday July 30 where Fr Mattie Long PP officiated. On Friday morning the funeral Mass was concelebrated by Fr Mattie Long PP, Fr Eugene Nee (Coventry formerly of Curra Davitt ), and Fr Leo Morahan (Louisburgh ). In his homily Fr Mattie Long PP spoke of Eileen as being a kind, happy, person who never looked for praise, a woman who adored her family, especially her grandchildren, of whom she always spoke with much pride.
The funeral liturgy was beautifully sung by Catherine MacLeod (Morahan ). Family members read the lessons, Prayers of the Faithful, and brought the Offertory to the altar.
At the end of the Mass her son Martin paid a special tribute to his mother. “God gives us many gifts in life but far above any other, the first and most beautiful gift of all is the love of a wonderful mother.
“Mum, we thought this day would not come for many a long year, but as we sat by your bedside this past number of weeks deep in our hearts we could see you slowly slipping away from us. Despite your pain and illness you kept that big courageous smile and warm welcome for everyone who came to visit you.
“Mum, there are so many things that I would love to say about you today but I know you were never one who looked for praise. To me, my dad, my three sisters Maria, Kathleen, and Bernie, you were the most caring, special, person in the world. Today our lives are changed forever, I know our home will not be the same without you but you will live forever in our hearts.
“Mum, we won’t say goodbye because we know that you will be watching over us, especially all your grandchildren whom you dearly loved. So until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Eileen was laid to rest in Killeen Cemetery. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Donations in her memory may be made to Croí, C/O Kilcoyne funeral directors.
