‘Woman of immense heart’ - South Donegal mourns Molly Reynolds

Mourners at St Patrick’s Church in Ballyshannon were told that the recently passed Molly Reynolds was ‘a woman of immense heart’ who had ‘formidable energy,’ as they paid their respects at her Funeral Mass.

Molly Reynolds (née McNulty), from Creevy, passed away suddenly at her home this week. Her Funeral was held at Ballyshannon’s St Patrick’s Church on Friday, October 23.

Fr Sunil Joseph told the congregation that Molly brought “light, strength and comfort to everyone around her.”

He said that from her early schooling at the Technical School in Donegal Town, “Molly demonstrated a strong work ethic and eagerness to learn - traits that defined her in her life.

“Molly’s career was as varied as it was impressive. She brought education, sharp intellect, and professionalism to every role she undertook.

“From her early days in hospital administration in Killybegs to secretary work in London, and later, handling bookwork at the Ballyshannon Mart, Molly proved her herself to be immensely capable.

“She went on to manage the office at McNultys in Ballyshannon and served as the manager of the Creevy Cooperative Society, leaving a mark of excellence wherever she worked.

“Above all else, Molly was devoted to her family. She married Alex Reynolds in 1965. She was a deeply loving mother to her children, Paul, Marie, Regina, Garret, and her beloved Mark, who passed away in 2009.

“Her home was filled with love, resilience, and strength. Her faith was the guiding pillar of her life. She was deeply involved with the local church, particularly the Friary in Rossnowlagh”

Fr Joseph continued: “Molly was truly a force of nature, passionate about history, community development and local heritage; she poured her formidable energy into projects that transformed her community.”

He noted how Molly was an active member of the Kilbarron Church Restoration Committee, a founding member of the Micheál Ó Cléirigh Summer School and a founding member of North West Charters.

She also served on numerous local boards and “played a pivotal role in helping establish the Local Link transport service.”

Fr Joseph stated: “A woman of immense heart, Molly was the founding member of GRASP Suicide Prevention Counselling,” as he referenced Molly’s son Mark.

“Mark’s Memorial Bike Run was established in its honour to support GRASP, turning deep personal sorrow into hope and life-saving help for others.

“Even amidst her endless commitments, Molly found joy in creativity. She loved knitting and embroidery, leaving behind beautiful craftworks and maintained a lifelong passion for exploring regional history and railway heritage.

“Molly understood hospitality. She knew how to make people feel safe, valued and at home.”

Prior to the Funeral Service, Molly was mourned by organisations she had devoted her time to. The Donegal Local Development CLG said they were “saddened to learn of the passing of former board member Molly Reynolds.

“Molly was a long-serving member of DLDC’s Board and played an important role in the Creevy community.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Molly’s family, friends and all who knew her at this sad time.”

The Donegal Railway Museum said: “The board and staff of Donegal Railway Museum are extremely saddened by the passing of longtime Board Member Molly Reynolds.

“A veteran of DLDC and a champion of more local community causes than we can count, Molly was a much-loved member of the team who contributed not only her expertise in policy, governance, community development and finance, but her rich local historical knowledge and memories of the county's railways.

“She served as Company Treasurer until 2025, receiving an Honorary Life Membership that year in recognition of her services, and afterwards remained on the Board until her recent passing.

“We were delighted to see her in good spirits at our 2026 AGM just a few months ago, and we are sad that we will no longer be able to partake of her wisdom and good company in future meetings.”

The Micheál Ó Cléirigh Summer School stated that, as a mark of respect to Molly as one of their founding members and former treasurer, they would be postponing a Summer Book Launch that was scheduled to take place on October 23.

A statement said of Molly as their “dear friend,” which said: “The officers and committee members wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Molly's family and wider circle.”

Molly was predeceased by her husband Alex, son Mark, brother Charles and sister Madge.

She will be sadly missed by her children Paul (Rosemarie), Marie, Gina (Ken) and Garret.

Grandchildren Samara, Simon, Connor, Amy and Siobhan; her brothers Hughie (Anne), Des (Mary), sister Agnes (Phil) and sister-in-law Agnes, brother-in-law John, and all her nieces, nephews and all her extended family and friends.