Obituary: Tramore mum Trina Ryan remembered as a 'tremendous spirit'
The late Trina Ryan.
Huge crowds congregated recently to remember Trina Ryan of Springmount, Tramore, formerly of Kennedy Park, Tramore, Co. Waterford.
Trina passed away peacefully at University Hospital Waterford surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
The Ryan and Devitt family would like to thank with great appreciation all the members of staff in The Oak Ward at University Hospital Waterford for the exceptional and loving care Trina received throughout her illness.
Trina was born on August 22, 1979. She spent her youth in Kennedy Park, Tramore, a place she cherished.
She worked in various jobs throughout her life, however, her defining role was in Boots pharmacy, Tramore.
At Trina’s funeral mass, friends and relatives recalled her as a kind, caring person, who remained positive even throughout her battle with cancer.
Fr. Richard O’Halloran said: “Was there a more popular and admired woman in Tramore? I’m not too sure. I think everyone in some way knew Trina and everyone in some way benefitted from being in her company or simply coming across her.
“She kept a tremendous spirit, an upbeat attitude, and always humorous. She always remained true to herself, and nothing, not even illness could take that from her."
Trina will be remembered as a loving mother, who always put her kids first and who loved to spend time with family.
“She was a wonderful mother, very proud of all of her children and the fine people that they are. Despite illness, there is only beauty and gratitude for the memories, the laughs and the good times that they all had together,” Fr. O’Halloran said.
Trina had been battling stage four cancer for five years, during which time she fundraised for countless other cancer patients in the community.
Fr. O’Halloran said: “Her fundraising was not for herself, but for others coping like her with cancer in our own community. I know that many have been the recipients of Trina’s fundraising, and the only expectation was that those who received it would do something for themselves with the money, that they would treat themselves just to make themselves feel normal, if even for a short time.”
During the funeral mass, Trina’s husband Michael provided a touching eulogy, which remembered her as a family driven, respectful person, who was cherished by the community.
“It was the simple things in life,” Michael said, “family holidays abroad, dinner time, where we all sat together, chatted and laughed.”
Chronicling her years in Boots pharmacy, he said: “If ever a job was a perfect fit for Trina that was it, as she loved people and interaction with the public. She had a gift where you would go in looking for one item and come out with numerous items and happier for seeing Trina as a result.”
Fr. O’Halloran added: “Trina will probably be best remembered for her many years working in Boots pharmacy here in Tramore. She was a popular member of staff and I think a favourite of the customers. She had the right personality and disposition for the job. She was able to cheer up any person’s day regardless of how they were feeling.”
Trina remained strong throughout her illness and approached every day with resilience.
“Trina fought an incredible battle,” Michael said, “and while there was a lot of tough moments, she never complained and still worried about everyone else bar herself.
“Her respect and love to all the doctors and nurses is hard to explain as she was more of a friend rather than a patient to all of these wonderful people.”
On July 8, 2024, Trina and Michael got married at Waterford Hospice.
Michael said during his eulogy, “We now know she’s at peace and looking down on all of us. Thanks for all the memories, kindness, laughter and love you’ve given me, the kids and the people of Tramore. You will never be forgotten. We will fight on for you like you did for us.”
Trina will be sadly missed by her loving husband Michael Devitt, her adoring children Amy, Harry and Maisie, her heartbroken parents Billy and Margaret, her sisters Carly and Mary; her brothers Thomas and William; her sister-in-law and her brothers-in-law, all her aunts and uncles and all her nieces and nephews.
She will be forever missed by all her relatives, extended family, wonderful neighbours and many, many friends.
Condolences have been extended from far and wide, with heartfelt messages of sympathy coming in from members of the community, friends and loved ones.
A Tramore GAA spokesperson said: “Tramore lost one of her favourite daughters when news of the death of Trina Ryan, who died peacefully in UHW, filtered through.
“Trina was such a loving, kind and caring person, together with her lovely smile, and these are some of the attributes that made her so loved by so many.
“It is an immeasurable loss to her grieving family, but Trina sure lived life to the full and enjoyed every single day of it. What an inspiration for us all. Simply amazing.
“You were a very special person who enhanced all our lives. We were very lucky.”
A message of condolence from RIP reads: “Trina was such a fun person and always a delight to meet.”
Another said: “Sleep easy Trina, you were a neighbour in the Oak Ward for only a few days but you showed such kindness to me and my children in our darkest days."
Trina's Boots colleagues and regulars of the store have also expressed their heartfelt condolences.
One person said: “Sincere sympathies to you all. Trina will be very deeply missed by all her colleagues in Boots Pharmacy.”
“Trina was the face of Boots Pharmacy in Tramore. She stood behind the pharmacy counter with great pride and love of her community. Trina was deeply loved by the whole of Tramore and Waterford and she absolutely loved her county, especially Tramore,“ another said.
The following poem was read by Trina's daughter Amy at her mother's funeral, on behalf of Trina's children Amy, Harry and Maisie:
