Funeral of Kitty Kelly: 'Her song on this earth has come to its natural end'

Kitty Kelly’s dedication to her church and the ministry of music was remembered at her funeral Mass on Friday - celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church in Murlog, Lifford where she was church organist for 75 years.

A much loved, and popular member of the local community, Kitty, from Rowfield, Braide, Lifford, died on Tuesday after a recent illness, just a couple of weeks short of her 92nd birthday.

Back in January 2020, her contribution to her church, which saw her begin playing the organ at just 15 years of age, was celebrated when she received a special honour from His Holiness Pope Francis.

She was presented with the Benemerenti Medal, an honour awarded by the Pope to members of the Clergy and Laity for long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church.

Many of those who were present on that occasion, were among the congregation of mourners who attended Friday’s funeral Mass.

Kitty gets a big hug after she received the Benemerenti Medal

Celebrant, Fr Colm O’Doherty PP of St Patrick’s Church said Kitty had been very much part of the church’s family for many years.

“We thank God for all the many things she did for you and for us,” he said.

He quoted a phrase in Latin, which when translated described how those who sing well, pray twice.

“It is a phrase used by countless choir directors and music teachers over the years to encourage the members of choirs to give it their best when celebrating in song,” Fr Colm said.

“We are here this afternoon to say farewell to Kitty Kelly whose song on this earth has come to its natural end.

“A song that aired so faithfully through her commitment to her family, to our community family and to our parish family over many years.

“All of us have talents and gifts which we are asked to use to the best of our ability in this life

Everyday we will get opportunities to put those gifts into practice, sometimes in small ways, sometimes in bigger ways.

“Kitty Kelly did not waste the talents that God blessed her with. Over the years, she put those talents to good use, especially for the parish faith community.”

Kitty Kelly

A number of items brought to the altar at the beginning of Mass by some of Kitty’s great-grandchildren offered an insight into her life. 

They included the Benemerenti Medal, her rosary beads, her music book and an Ireland’s Own - she read it from cover to cover each week.

Her love of gardening and the outdoors was also celebrated - her gardening gloves and a trowel were also brought to the altar

In his homily, Fr Colm said Kitty had often helped decorate the church with flowers from her own garden.

“Of course, being the wise business woman, she sold her flowers to the local shops. Many’s a house in the parish had a bunch of Kitty’s flowers on their table as well,” he said.

Originally from Porthall, and a member of the Doherty family, Fr. Colm said Kitty had come from a large family. “In that family home, she would have been taught about the importance of supporting family, the importance of hard work, the importance of education, the importance of faith,” he said.

“All of these things Kitty has put to good use over the years. She has handed them on very well to the next generation.”

He continued: “Kitty was married to Patrick Kelly. The lovely photos on the wall at home show this young couple, full of confidence, out and about, looking very grand in their best outfits, and looking very much in love. 

“That love was shared over many years together. They were blessed in their marriage with five children and in the family home, the same values that Kitty had grown up with were very much handed on over the years.

“The death of her husband was very sore on Kitty, but her faith in the goodness of God allowed her to continue as best she could and with the support of her children, she did so.”

Fr Colm also recalled the day when Kitty received the Benemerenti Medal - something which he said was well deserved.

“It's very fitting that Kitty has handed on the baton of playing the church organ to her grand-daughter Rachel and we are very grateful to Rachael for accepting that commission,” he added.

At the end of the ceremony, Kitty’s son Denis spoke on behalf of the family and thanked everyone for their kindness since his mum’s passing.   

Kitty was the beloved wife of the late Patrick and much loved mother of Denis (Trim, Co. Meath), Alex (Connecticut, USA), Brian (Strabane), Catherine Downes (Gort, Co. Galway) and Grace; mother-in-law of Rosaleen and the late Marion and Gerry; sister of Sonny Doherty (Kent, England) and the late Harriet, Rena, Marie, Hugh, George, Susie, Alex, Margaret and Carmel; much loved grandmother of Emma, Brian, Aoife, Paul, Daragh, Karen, Colin, Mark, Sandra and Rachael and her 17 great-grandchildren.