Thank you all for coming today and an extended thanks to those joining us through the streamed link or those who couldn’t come because of illness or other commitments . A big thanks for all the lovely messages and condolences which truly have humbled us all but also reminded us that Eileen was a special person to so many people

This is , as Father Dermot said , a Eulogy to Eileen Halloran nee Mullaney, Aunty, sister in law,Friend, Nanny, Great Nanny and Mum

Born in July 1936 in Knockmore Co Mayo Ireland , Eileen was the youngest of 8 children .She moved to England when she was 19 and met Jimmy who she married in 1961 and  with whom she had 4 children.Similar  to a number of other people she worked really hard to make ends meet and provide for her family making sure she was always home when we got back from school and nurturing us all through our childhood, adolescence and adulthood.Sadly Jimmy /Dad passed away in 2008- 15 years ago and Eileen has lived independently since

Mum had a strong faith and her rosary was always close to hand for nighttime prayers when she would pray for everyone .She met many of her friends through the church and her belief helped her through the difficult times in her life as much as it shaped her approach to it. She used to say that you don’t have to believe in God but if you’re ever scared or need help just ask him and he will hear you

She loved Art and had a great eye for detail , taking part in  art classes and becoming very good- especially at figure drawing  which she used to smile about.She also loved knitting and sewing and was a regular contributor of knitted scarves for the homeless. She loved flowers and her garden, which always cheered her up  and certainly over recent years we all spent a fair amount of time at Garden centres albeit with the added bonus of lunch.

She loved going to exhibitions galleries parks and visiting people .Travelling was something she started doing with Jimmy/Dad but she loved adventures and over recent years had been to Amsterdam Portugal and France although she was always up for a good day out wherever that was.

As a friend Eileen loved Tai Chi and Keep Fit but  this was as much about the opportunity to meet up with her friends  or “The Gang” for coffee, cake and a good old natter and chuckle.Eileen enjoyed these meet ups and those with her neighbours immensely and often talked about them fondly to her family.Her friends and neighbours have commented on how proud she was in  her appearance, always looking elegant and smart.She loved hearing about everyones life and was fiercely loyal to everyone she became friends with -always looking out for them and calling if she hadn’t seen them for a while-any opportunity however for a get together or even a shopping trip  with of course lunch and a chat and laugh would literally be the icing on the cake.Whenever friends called ,her face lit up and a laugh was pretty much guaranteed.

As an Aunt, Eileen will be remembered for the love and generosity she showed each of her nieces and nephews at various stages of their lives.Always available for a  chat and always interested in their lives and family.She enjoyed the telephone calls and visits provided of course that she had enough time to thoroughly clean the house top to bottom and ensure the best china was out for lunch As a sister in law Eileen will also be remembered not solely as wife to Jimmy, but for her boundless generosity welcome and love which she readily and willingly gave to all throughout her life

As Nanny to her 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren she has gifted some very special memories
Perhaps the  memory of nanny which resonates most is that  she was always genuinely interested in their own interests friends partners adventures and achievements. She always loved hearing from them and a common thought was that you could tell nanny anything in confidence .She wouldn’t be judgemental and would often suggest some perspective on the issue being discussed even if the issue was about their mum or dad-  her own children
Nanny always had a mischievous side and a big smile, lovely laugh or chuckle which made her so easy to talk to and open up to. Sayings such as  “Just enjoy yourself  that’s all that maters” or “enjoy yourself while you’re young” and “if I cant spoil my grandchildren who can I spoil” have clearly left their imprint in their memory as has being looked after when ill or in holidays when younger with a constant supply of tea cakes, biscuits, puddings and chocolate as well as loads of other treats -a grandparents prerogative.. In later years holidays with family abroad brought out nanny’s mischievous side and at home these visits to nannys could also involve meals out with the odd glass or two of refreshments in the form of wine ,sangria, cocktails and baileys but the real memory was the easy chatting laughing and bohommie almost as if talking to a best friend.Nanny was complimentary but was also not afraid to speak a few considered home truths when needed. There was never a birthday nanny forgot or an achievement she didn’t celebrate or congratulate on and her generosity and kind and caring nature were  boundless

As our mum all four of us are hugely proud and thankful for having had so much time with mum throughout her life and over recent years in bigger chunks
Its very difficult to say everything she meant to is but we have all felt the pride, love and support for us throughout the good times and the turbulent times in our lives .She taught us the importance of family and the need to keep talking. She was a confidant and like her grandchildren we all felt we could share anything with her in absolute confidence.She was non judgemental and always saw the good in people
Throughout the last couple of years ,but by no means exclusively so, we have all seen mums determination and stoicism in fighting her illness.Her  resilience and courage in this period has been inspirational right to the end .Each of us know how much mum loved us and each of us know how much we loved her and we will deeply cherish her memory

Mum, may you rest in peace

Thank you

Given by Eamonn at Eileen's Requiem Mass on 15th February 2023