12th October, 1971
My Dear Enda, Jim & Family
Got both your letters and I hope you do not feel to sad on hearing of Daddies death. R.I.P. For he has been awaiting and prepared for this time. In years lately he used to say to me ‘I have not long to go’. I used to say ‘why I am getting very weak evenly I am out. ‘ He always kept with the times in the line of reading and watching T.V. until it closed down at night no matter how late it was. I think he should be in his chair and discussing the programs on T.V. and what he read in the press.
The night before he took ill he said he would like to go to bed. So he was able to get up the stairs with me at his side. When he got to the top he said “Thank God” a few times. Said “now when I get rested I will be all right.” Anyhow Eamonn was just gone home with Aunt Lizzie for she was over for the day and I had no one in the house. By luck I heard someone come in so I said come up, I want you. It was Noel Smith. He went up and brought down his mother. He went for the priest and got Eamonn. When the priest was leaving he said he was often worse so he gave him the last sacrament. The Smiths stayed on until 2:00. I made them go home. I stayed up all the night. He used to doze off in a sleep some times he would cough with the breathing for a while. At six in the morning he sat on the side of the bed said he felt better, would take a cup of tea. When I took it up to him he said this is welcome so he went back to bed, was comfortable.
At 8:00 he got out again and sat on the side of the bed, took a cup of tea and one biscuit. Then he went to the toilet. I helped him. He said you need not help me I am able to go myself. Then he got his smoke. Said to me “my smoke is my comfort.” It is a good thing you are feeling better I said to him. He talked to me and asked me what time the Smiths went home. “You know that the priest is coming on Monday morning to see me.” Then he said to me “Are you not going to Mass?” I said no, maybe it is as well for you not. During the day he was easy off and on in a sleep and talked. At 2:00 Eamonn was looking in at him. He was comfortable so he told me he was going to see the cattle, would not be long. At a quarter to 3 he got a turn. I was with him and he was dead at a quarter past 3.
I was on my own. All the time I said the prayers for the dying, held the candle in his hand, also the crucifix. He got a very happy death. The more I think about him the happier I feel.
Johney Dolan of Culliagh came home from USA that Sunday when passing. He came in, only had ten days. Uncle Peat and two of his sons were up for the funeral and Uncle Farrell but poor ___ was not able to come up.
Heart broken that she was not home. It was very big funeral as well a lot of mass cards. Have not counted them for they are still coming in. Had letter since from Farell. He said they appreciate the excellent way in which the whole funeral arrangements were carried out. Good turn out a the removal of the remains and funeral.
I am enclosing the cutting our of the daily paper. The months mind will be 24th. All the family are coming for it.
I hope this finds you all in good health.
Enda don’t worry your self evenly. You were not able to be with us. You have a good husband and family to look after, must be kept very busy.
Had ____ last night is suffering with pains a lot. God help her. Father Hugh Brady send offerings.
Again, God Bless, Love,
Mommie and Eamonn