'The heart of her home': Remembering Ferrybank's Ellie Heffernan

The death has occurred of Ellen “Ellie” Heffernan (née Doherty), Ferrybank, who passed peacefully on Monday, January 12, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, family and service.

Ellie was born on March 23, 1929, to Richard and Bridget Doherty (née Fitzgerald) of Coolnaleen, Glenmore. 

Growing up in the 1930s and 1940s was not an easy time, yet Ellie often fondly recalled an idyllic childhood, rich in family and community life. 

She was one of five children, with sisters Josephine (Jo), Mary and Bridie, and her younger brother James, all of whom she spoke of with deep affection.

It was at one of the local dance boards that Ellie met Paddy Heffernan of Glenmore. They were married in the Sacred Heart Church, Ferrybank, on June 3, 1948, and began their married life together in their home in Tinvacoose.

Tragedy struck the following year with the death of Ellie’s beloved brother James, aged just 19, in a farm accident on June 25, 1949. Ellie and Paddy later moved to Rockenham, Ferrybank, where they raised their family and shared a devoted marriage of 69 years. Together they were blessed with 10 children – five boys and five girls. Ellie was the heart of her home: a gifted seamstress, baker and cook, a tireless caregiver, and, in every sense, “everything to everyone”. Her strength was again tested when her first-born son Jimmy died in a tragic road accident in 1972, a loss she bore with quiet dignity and enduring faith.

Ellie was a woman of deep spirituality, compassion and courage. Her faith guided her life, and she found great comfort and purpose in its practice. She travelled on pilgrimage with friends to Knock, Our Lady’s Island and Lourdes, and was present in Phoenix Park for the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1979. She loved the Rosary and recited it daily, often gathering with friends after Mass in the parish church, where this prayer group continued for many years.

A keen gardener, Ellie took great pride in her plants and flowers, finding joy and peace in her garden. She also gave generously of her time to the Ferrybank Branch of the Waterford Hospice Group, working tirelessly for over 20 years to raise funds for the Southeast Palliative Care Centre.

Ellie’s removal to Powers was marked by a large attendance, reflecting the high esteem in which she was held. Her remains were received by Very Rev. Roderick Whearty P.P. 

Requiem Mass was celebrated by Very Rev. Roderick Whearty P.P. and concelebrated by Fr. Pascal Moore, Piltown, formerly of Ferrybank, and Fr. Jim Crotty. 

The Ferrybank Church Choir sang Ellie’s favourite hymns. The lessons were read by her grandchildren Ciaran O’Shea and Aisling Heffernan, with the Prayers of the Faithful read by Cormac Heffernan, Ava Heffernan, Maeve Torpey, Laura Cullen and Gene O’Shea.

She is survived by her sons, Andy, Rockenham; Dick, Melbourne; John, Silverwood and Nicky, Marymount, and daughters, Bridget Torpey, Carrickbeg; Marie Cullen, Moonvoy, Tramore; Eileen Heffernan, Rockenham, Angela O’Shea, Powersknock, Kilmeaden and Bernie Heffernan, Douglas, Cork, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Mary Aylward. 

May she rest in eternal peace.