THE PEACEFUL death took place in Letterkenny University Hospital of Colette McDonagh (née Gallagher), 64 The Gardens, Ballymacool Woods, Letterkenny.
A much loved neighbour and friend, Colette has been remembered as a loyal and committed friend to many.
Her funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, October 3, at St Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny where Monsignor Kevin Gillespie described Colette as a woman distinguished by the sincere and joyous love she had for the children she cared for, and for her family and friends.
“She was a loyal and committed friend,” he said.
“She grew up a joyous and fun-loving child.
“She loved Oldtown and the community in which she grew up.”
Monsignor Gillespie recalled how Colette’s eye fell for John McDonagh of Longford.
“She recognised in him a loyalty and fidelity that she herself had for others,” he said.
“His faithful visits to her when hospitalised for a lengthy period at a young age was proof to her that he was the man for her.”
Monsignor Gillespie added that although the couple had been through a lot together, they always had joy in their hearts, especially for the many neighbourhood children they cared for.
“In looking after those children, she was full of kindness, but also firm and very fair.”
Monsignor Gillespie also spoke of Colette’s great ability to make deep and long-lasting friendships.
“Once you became part of her life you didn’t simply disappear from it.
“Friendships were friendships, and she kept them up with great fidelity.”
Colette is predeceased by her loving husband, John, her parents, Tommy and Emily, sister, Bried, brothers, Thomas and Johnny, and her niece, Collette.
She will be sadly missed by her nieces, Maria and Brenda, nephews, Thomas and Gerald and families, sisters-in-law, Rosaleen Gallagher, Veronica Gallagher and Mary Canty, friends and neighbours.
Burial took place following Saturday’s funeral Mass in Conwal Cemetery.