Warm tributes paid on passing of much loved Mayo teacher

MAUREEN Murphy, Killasser, Swinford, who has died, is being fondly remembered as a wonderful teacher and a great community person.

Maureen taught at Scoil Muire agus Padraig in Swinford for many years where she instilled a great love of science in her students and took a keen interest in their progress.

As a teacher she was much loved, having a warmth about her that was appreciated but also able to motivate her students to get the best from them, never leaving anyone behind.

In the years after they left school, Maureen was always one to remember the faces and stop for a chat. Her great legacy as a teacher lives on in many of those students who credit her as the inspiration behind many successful careers.

Maureen was also a real community person, along with husband Michael, and she was immersed in parish life in Killasser. She was generous with her time for many community organisations in the Swinford area and further afield, touching many facets of life, from local history to the agricultural show, among others, and always going about her business in an unassuming fashion.

Many warm tributes have been paid to her online, including one former student who recalled: “She was an exceptional teacher and mentor during my time in Scoil Muire agus Padraig, and a lovely generous and warm person.”

Another tribute read: “For someone so unassuming she’s certainly made the biggest impact on many lives. What an amazing woman. If we could be half the person she was we’d be doing well.”

“She was a wonderful, kind, patient teacher and a beautiful person full of goodness,” recalled another.

Maureen (née McNeela) was predeceased by her parents Willie and Mary.

She is deeply mourned by her husband Micheál, brothers John and Michael, sister Margaret Phelan, sister-in-law Lena, nieces and nephews and all of her extended and much loved family, neighbours and friends.

Reposing is at Boland's Funeral Home, Swinford (F12K122), this evening (Tuesday) from 4 to 8 p.m., with removal to All Saints Church, Killasser, to arrive at 8.30 p.m.

Following funeral Mass this Wednesday at 12 noon she will be laid to rest in Killasser Cemetery.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.