Obituary: Remembering a devoted Waterford city mother
The late Ellen (Nelly) Carroll (formerly Kennedy and née Murray).
The death has sadly occurred of Ellen (Nelly) Carroll (formerly Kennedy and née Murray), of 13 Willow Terrace, Lisduggan, Waterford city, aged 89.
Nelly passed away peacefully, on May 26, in the tender care of the staff of the Oak Ward at University Hospital Waterford surrounded by her loving family.
Born on March 14, 1936, Nelly was raised at Trinity Square, Waterford city, one of eight children to Richard and Catherine Murray.
Her first job was in the TB ward in Ardkeen hospital (now University Hospital Waterford), before she moved on to work in Denny’s Meats, where she met her husband Robert Kennedy.
Robert was the love of Nelly’s life. They were married in 1960 and had three daughters, Catherine, Mary and Geraldine.
Sadly Robert passed away in 1964 after a battle with cancer.
Nelly, raising a young family – her youngest was only four months old – went back to work in Denny’s, taking her late husband’s job, where she stayed until its closure.
Devoted to her family, she worked hard to provide for them all.
She went on to work in the Jute Factory, St Patrick’s Hospital and then as home help until her retirement. She was fondly regarded, a sociable person who always had time for people, and loved to stop and chat.
Nelly went on to marry Paddy Carroll in the late 1970s, but sadly Paddy passed away two years later.
Despite these heartbreaks, Nelly enjoyed a long, fulfilled and happy life surrounded by her family, including her five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, who she adored.
She will never be forgotten by her loving family.
Nelly reposed at her residence at Willow Terrace. Her funeral cortege walked from her residence via Arbour Road on Thursday, May 29, to St. Paul’s Church, Lisduggan for Requiem Mass, which was celebrated by Fr Pat Fitzgerald. Beautiful music was provided by soloist Sarah Jane Lavery.
Funeral undertakers were Thompson’s Funeral Home, Barrack Street.
Nelly was buried afterwards in Kilbarry Cemetery.
She is sadly missed by her loving daughters, Catherine, Mary and Geraldine, grandchildren, great-grandchildren , extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.
May she rest in peace.
