Obituary: Phyllis (92) of Congress Place, Waterford city, was one of 17 children

Phyllis Halligan (née McLawrence) was loved by many throughout her 92 years of life. 

A lifelong Déise woman, Phyllis was born on October 20, 1931, at Robinson's Lane in Waterford City.

She settled in Congress Place, where she lived with her husband Jim and raised their three children; daughters Mary and Breda and son Jim.

For many years, Phyllis worked at WIT (now known as SETU) as a cleaner, and enjoyed working alongside her friends so much that she didn't retire until the age of 71. 

Indeed, spending time with her family and friends was one of her great joys in life, along with reading. 

Her passing led to widespread shock not just for her family but for the wider community.

Phyllis was in good health and happily living at St Patrick's Nursing Home, when she fell ill in July 2024. She died peacefully, surrounded by family. 

After reposing at Thompson's Funeral Directors, Phyllis's requiem Mass was held at Ballybricken Church on July 24, 2024. 

Her grandson Jamie gave a touching eulogy to Phyllis: "My nan was the second eldest of 17 children born to Sarah and James McLawrence in Congress Place. 

"She was born in 1931 along with her twin sister Bridget."

As a child, Phyllis lived with her grandmother on Robinson's Lane, where she struck up a friendship with her neighbour. 

Jamie said: "Living just a few doors up was the Halligan family and a boy called Jim Halligan. He and Nan were friends and they used to play out on the graveyard of this very church. And Nan always said that in the end, it was here she wanted to go because that was her playground outside.

"Her and Jim started as friends and became childhood sweethearts."

He spoke about her school days at the Old Mercy Convent, and of walking to school wearing a gas mask during the Second World War. 

"In 1955, she married Jim in this very church. It always struck me what a lucky twist of fate that it was; she was sent to her nan's as a child and ended up meeting her husband to be a few doors up."

Phyllis moved into their home on Congress Place, where she raised their family. Sadly, her beloved Jim passed away in 1981. Despite her loss, she was always surrounded by loving family and friends, and her home was a place of fun for her grandchildren. 

Prayers of the Faithful were read by Jimmy Halligan, Sharon McLawrence, Lisa King and Kenny McLawrence. 

She is sadly missed by Mary, Breda, Jimmy, sons-in-law Pascal and Jerry, grandchildren Jamie, Nicola, Zara, Scott, Darren, Jenny, Paul, Stephanie, great-grandchildren Luke, Kate, Beth, Ryan, Ava, Kaci, Liam, Mila and Sofia, brother Paddy, sister Bernie, extended family, neighbours and friends.

May she Rest in Peace.