THE death has taken place at Falcarragh Nursing Home of Sheila McNally (Darcy) of Ballindrait, Bunbeg.

Sheila, née Darcy, was born in Tipperary in 1934. At the tender age of seven years she was lovingly fostered by the Hiúdaí Beag family in Machaire Loisce.

She moved to work in Scotland and it was here she met her future husband, Brendan McNally. They were married in 1958 and they settled down in London to rear a family of three sons, Stephen, Michael and Brian.

The late Sheila McNally.

Throughout her life Sheila was known as a woman of great kindness and compassion, dedicating herself to caring for others as a home help. She carried out her work with dignity, patience and genuine affection, bringing comfort and reassurance to countless elderly who remained in their own homes because of her devoted care.

Her gentle smile, warm heart and caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Sheila carried great sorrow in her life. In 1995 her beloved son, Stephen died at the young age of 33 years, and that was followed by the death of her husband in 2008.

Funeral Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Dunlewey, and she was laid to rest afterwards in Magheragallon Cemetery. The celebrant of the mass was Fr. Brian Ó Fearraigh and was he assisted by Fr. Brendan Ward and Fr. Seán Ó Gallchóir.
The lessons were read by Eileen and Geraldine, while the prayers of the faithful were read by Leeanne, Peadar, James Caoimhe and Rachael. The offertory gifts were brought to the altar by Máire and Sadie.

The soloist was Sabrina Sweeney and she was accompanied on the organ by Hugh Hiudaí Beag Gallagher. Sabrina sang the hymn ‘Our Lady of Knock’ as the remains were leaving the church.

Sheila was predeceased by her husband, Brendan, son, Stephen and brothers and sisters.
She will be sadly missed by her sons, Michael (Petra) and Brian (Cheryl), grandchildren, Stephen, Elenor Rose and Liam and extended family and friends.