The light and life of Mary Conlon will shine on - Father Brian Quinn

The strong faith that Mary Conlon had was recalled during her Funeral Mass which was held today, Tuesday, in the Church of the Irish Martyrs, in Letterkenny.  

Father Brian Quinn described all the great work that Mary had carried out as a member of the board of management at the Woodland National School. She was also active at the Letterkenny-based church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. He said that Mary may have been in the public eye but Mary carried out her duties with the sole purpose of serving people. 

Mary Conlon and Father Quinn worked together in getting approval for Woodland's National School. Mary actively fundraised for the Church of the Irish Martyrs and she helped in the renovation of the Cathedral for Loreto Convent.

Strong faith 

Mary's faith and belief in God came before many things in her life, Fr Quinn said. 

"Faith for Mary, was far more important than all those achievements. Belief in God, memory and prayer. Mary loved her faith, she loved her prayer. She loved the Mass, she loved the Rosary. She had an incredible devotion to St Therese of Lisieux, the little flower," he said.

The Letterkenny-based priest said the light and life of Mary Conlon will shine on despite death being final in terms of physical separation. 

"It will shine on both in memory and in prayer and those of you who knew her, know that also," he said.  

Her life was recalled with great gratitude and thanksgiving during the course of the Funeral Mass.

The words of this lovely poem were also read  "You have been caught by Our Lord and King,  Deep peace of the shining stars to you, Of the gentle night to you, Moon and stars pour their healing light to you, And may you rest peacefully, eternally in the loving arms of that have caught you. Amen."

Primary school teacher

Mary passed away at her home on Sunday, last.  A retired  primary  teacher, she was originally from Magheraclogher, Derrybeg. Mary is described as being a woman of great knowledge who had a strong interest in politics. She frequently contributed to both Raidió na Gaeltachta and Highland Radio.

Tribute from Highland

A spokesperson for Highland Radio said: "Mary was a regular contributor to the Nine til Noon Show and previously the Shaun Doherty Show. Her vast political knowledge and unique commentary will undoubtedly be sorely missed by listeners. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary's family and friends at this difficult time."

Family

Mary is survived by her husband, Vincent, daughter, Dariona, son, Paul, son-in-law, Séamus, daughter-in-law, Michele,  grand-children, Síofra, Aifric, John and Ryan, her sister, Margaret Richardson, (Magheraclogher) brother Joe Beag Sweeney (Magheraclogher),  sisters-in-law, Gabrielle, Nóra and Detta, nephews, nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends.