'An outstanding neighbour' - the late Mary Teresa McGee remembered

Widespread regret was occasioned in west Donegal on hearing of the death of Mary Teresa McGee, Meenmore, Dungloe.

Mary had been unwell for a period previous to her passing. A native of Meenmore, she was the youngest member of the family of the late Mr and Mrs John Neil and Annie McGee. She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Neilly, Vincent and Cathal and her sister-in-law Bridget McGee.

A most industrious and hardworking person, Mary could be described as a perfectionist. Mary started off her working life as a legal secretary with O'Donnell Sweeney Solicitors, Dungloe and later with Fitzgerald Solicitors in Dublin. She returned home and ran a shop for a number of years in Dungloe.

She worked in the Intercounty Hotel in Lifford for some time and was a very popular member of staff. Her next employment was in the offices of the Burtonport Fishermens Co-op. In 1988, she emigrated to the USA and worked in the Twin Towers in New York before returning home in 1998.

After this, she spent a number of years as a book-keeper in Teach Jack, Glassagh and was a close friend of the McFadden family. Above all, Mary had great pride in her home and garden, which is the McGee family home and is one of the oldest houses in the area. There was always a warm welcome for the many callers to the house.

An outstanding neighbour, she was very popular with all who had the pleasure of knowing her and will be sadly missed. Her funeral took place to the old cemetery in Dungloe, following mass in St. Columba's Church, Acres, concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Pat Ward, P.P and Rev. Fr. James Gillespie, P.P, Donegal Town. Fr. Gillespie officiated at the graveside.

The soloist at the mass was Pauline Glackin, accompanied by her brother Joe. Readers at the mass were her nieces Fionnuala McGee and Ann Barron. Prayers of the faithful were read by Collette Gavigan, Shaun McGee(N) Karen Brogan, Sean McGee(C), Anita Power and Kevin McGee (nieces and nephews).

Gifts were brought to the altar by her lifelong friends Margaret Rose Bonner, Ann Marie Carberry and Nollaig McKaigney. The reflection at the end of the mass was read by her nephew Paul McGee. Mary is survived by her sister Mrs. Noreen O'Connell, Meenmore, in-laws including Dan O'Connell, Meenmore, Maeve McGee, Meenmore and Mary McGee (Flynn), Boyle, Co. Roscommon, nieces, nephews and a large family circle to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

The family of the late Mary Teresa McGee would like to thank everyone who sympathised with us on our recent loss.

"Heartfelt thanks to everyone who looked after her during her illness, to all the volunteer drivers of the Irish Cancer Society, and to Breda, Dr. Singh and the team in Dungloe Medical Centre," they shared via the McGlynn Funeral Directors Facebook page.

"We are deeply grateful to the nurses, neighbours, and all who cared for Mary in her final days at home, surrounded by family and friends. Thanks to all who travelled long distances to be with us, and to all who brought food during the wake. It was very much appreciated. Thanks to all who sent Mass cards, sympathy cards and messages of condolence.

"Thanks to Fr. Pat Ward for your prayers, support, and words of comfort, and to Fr. James Gillespie who concelebrated her Requiem Mass and officiated at her interment. Sincere thanks to Pauline and Joe Rodgers for the beautiful music in the church. To her lifelong friends Margaret Rose Bonner, Nollaig McKaigney, and Ann Marie Carbery, to the altar servers, and all who participated in her Requiem Mass.

"Thanks to Noreen and Shaun McGlynn, and to Josie Gallagher, for your professionalism and dignity shown throughout her wake and funeral. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation and sincere gratitude."

Mary’s month's mind will be celebrated in St. Columba’s Church, Acres, on Sunday, February 9, at 11.30am.