Phyllis was a remarkable women, who left behind a great legacy 

The 97 years of Phyllis Phyl Browne nee O’Sullivan - the mother was well-known local photographer Noel, was full of love, happiness, goodness, and kindness as her beloved Kingsmeadow community bid farewell to a great lady following her untimely death at University Hospital Waterford on Saturday, December 7.

A woman of great faith, Phyl died following a short illness that she borne with great dignity, courage and strength with her passing leaving a deep void in the lives of those that knew her for incredible devotion to life, people, family and her adopted parish.

Born on June 17, 1927, she was one of a family of eight where she was raised in Dungarvan together with her five sisters and two brothers. Phyllis married her late husband Noel back in 1953 where they moved to England for a period living close to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London, before moving back to Waterford where they made Mc Donagh Road in Kingsmeadow their forever home. Her funeral was celebrated at the Holy Family Church last week.

LOVE OF COMMUNITY

In paying an emotional tribute to his late mother, Noel said: “I’m overwhelming by the support that we’ve received as a family and I thank you all for the lovely comments and for been here with us.

“Mam was as my sister Carolyn put it “a force of nature”. She lived at home, independently,all her life where she loved to be in the middle of her community and found Kingsmeadow a great place to life throughout her life.”

Noel added: “So many great neighbours looked out for her and she loved you all. Even at the age of 97, she made a point to me a few weeks ago, that she never had a carer. Not one carer stepped over the threshold of the house, not one person she didn’t know, which was remarkable.

“She loved Dunhill and going to Dunhill with her late husband where she liked to socialise and play darts. She was a great darts players and represented Munster when there was very few women playing sport. She loved Roanmore GAA club, but there’s no doubt that she loved the people of Kingsmeadow and you all loved her in equal measure so thank you so much for that.”

AMAZING WOMAN

In his homily, Fr. Gerry Langford said: “Any funeral in December so close to Christmas, when we plan to gather with family and loved ones, adds another level of sadness. The bright lights of our Christmas trees and the Happy Christmas music that we hear everywhere we go, well, it can be in stark contrast to how we really feel inside.

“For we know that Christmas is a difficult time for many people who miss people their loved ones, especially so this time of year, we are here in sadness, but more so to celebrate with gladness the life of a truly remarkable woman, Phyllis Brown, reaching the great age of 97. She is leaving behind a legacy that speaks volumes about the goodness in our heart and the strength of our character.

“To reach the degree age is a blessing in itself, but to reach it with such health and vitality and independence, but as a rare gift, she was able to live with grace and dignity. She remain active, independent and engaged with the world around her. Right to the end of her days, Phyllis lived with a deep appreciation of this gift of health of body and mind, and she never took it for granted.

Fr. Langford added: “Throughout her life, she was known for her kindness and her caring nature. She touched the lives of many with her want, her laughter and her genuine interest in people, whether it was a conversation with a friend or a neighbor or a family member. She had a way of making people feel seen and valued, because she truly cared about how others were doing.

“Phyllis had great sense of humor, and her joyful spirit was infectious, really. She brought light to every room she entered. Her outgoing nature made her a beloved friend and neighbour. She was a remarkable lady.” Sacred music was rendered at her funeral Mass by Sarah Jane Lavery accompanied by Catherine Power. Phyllis was buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballygunner.

She is survived by her son Noel, daughter Carolyn, daughter-in-law Alma, grandchildren Louise, David and Shane, extended family and friends to whom we offer our deepest sympathies.

May she rest in peace.