A wonderful mother and human being

“I love you to the moon and back, and all the way around again.”

These were the last words that our Mam, Mary Tynan, said to myself and my sister Katie before she suddenly passed away in Mayo University Hospital on the evening of Thursday, November 12.

Given her nature, I know she wouldn’t want us all making a fuss about her – but we always lovingly did it anyway. Mam was the kindest, most compassionate, and caring woman we have ever known. She always put others needs before her own and she will always be remembered and celebrated by her family, friends and all who had the opportunity to get to know her during her life here.

She was born in Toomevara, Co. Tipperary, on February 19, 1952. She was the youngest of three, two boys and one girl, to James and Maureen Cassidy. When she was four months old, they relocated to Belmont, Co. Offaly, where she would spend her childhood.

Growing up in Offaly, she formed a lifelong bond with her cousin Colette, who is also my (Stuart) godmother. They were sometimes mistaken for being sisters but, in truth, they treated each other as such. Colette’s visits to Castlebar were always a highlight in our household and Katie and I cannot thank her enough for being alongside her, whether it be in times of need or joy. Particularly, in recent weeks for being there for the toughest time we have ever had.

Mam moved back to Ireland in March 1998 after spending almost 30 years in England working as a nurse so she could raise her young family at home in Ireland. She worked in the Volex factory up until its closure and was cherished and respected by all who worked alongside her.

In recent years, Mam was a force in the local community. She was a volunteer for many organisations including Meals on Wheels, St. Vincent de Paul and the Castlebar Women’s Shed and the An Sruthan Residents Association.

The Castlebar Women’s Shed, which was formed in April 2016, was a source of such pride for her, and she was chairperson right up until her passing. She was in contact with women all over the country and was a massive helping hand in getting other women’s sheds up and running throughout Ireland, in her hope of forming a national association – mimicking the success of the Men’s. Sadly, she will not get to see this come to fruition.

In August of last year, she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a form of lung disease. But, as further testament to her character, she bore this horrible illness with great dignity and always was in great company for the visitors she had right until the end.

She may have been known as Mary or Mary T. to some, but to us, she was our Mam, and there will never be another like her. We love you to the moon and back, and all the way round again.

*(Written by Stuart & Katie Tynan)