Obituary: Remembering Waterford's Breda Madigan, well-known for her generous spirit and kindness

With deep sadness, the Madigan family announces the passing of Breda Madigan (née Power) of Marian Park, Waterford, who died on September 10, following a brief illness.

Born in May 1940 to Jack and Teresa (Tess) Power, Breda was a sister to local businessman Seán Power. She was predeceased by her beloved parents and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion to others.

Breda’s early life was rooted in Cannon Street, where she shared a close-knit home with her parents, her uncle Paddy, and her brother Seán. Her formative years were shaped by her time at the Presentation Convent, where she formed lifelong friendships that remained dear to her throughout her life. In the 1950s, Breda began a retail career that reflected her natural warmth and ease with people.

She worked at the Central Stores, later joining Slone’s Department Store in the 1960s. Known for her grace and dedication, Breda was well-loved by colleagues and customers alike.

In 1967, Breda married Patrick (Pat) Madigan, the eldest son of local publican Richard (Dick) Madigan. Together, they built a home in Marian Park, where Breda was the heart of the family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother whose life revolved around her family and friends.

Breda’s door was always open and the kitchen table in Marian Park was a place of tea, conversation, wisdom, and warmth. Neighbours, friends, and family found comfort, guidance, and laughter in her home.

Her generous spirit touched everyone she met, whether in her parish community at Holy Family Church, her volunteer work with the Legion of Mary, her support of the Little Sisters of the Poor, or simply in the daily kindness she offered to the people she encountered.

She faced life’s joys and challenges with quiet dignity, courage, compassion and unwavering honesty. Even in her final days at University Hospital Waterford, Breda’s easy rapport, good humour and grace brought comfort to those around her.

Over 85 years, Breda lived a life defined by faith, family and friendship. She will be fondly remembered by many; her childhood friends from Cannon Street and the Presentation Convent, former colleagues, parishioners and her extended circle of family and neighbours.

Following repose at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Breda returned home to Marian Park to be with her family. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated at Holy Family Church on Friday, September 12, with burial afterwards at St. Otteran’s Cemetery, Ballinaneeshagh.

The Madigan family extends their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the nursing staff, surgical and palliative care teams at University Hospital Waterford, for their kindness and empathy during Breda’s five weeks in hospital and especially the great support they provided during the last few days of her life.

Breda is deeply missed by her husband Pat, her loving daughter Claire, devoted sons Anthony, John and Brian, daughter-in-law Giovanni, John’s partner Micheál, cherished grandchildren Giovanna, Ewen, Hannah, Maya, Piaras, and Maeve, brother Seán, sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, and her many dear friends and neighbours in Marian Park.

She will be remembered always as a woman of honesty, integrity, substance and quiet strength. “Her fingerprints have left their traces on all the things, the people and the places.” May her gentle soul rest in peace.