THE peaceful death has occurred in the Donegal Hospice, Letterkenny of Bríd O’Donnell, Ranafast, and formerly of Ardsbeg, Gortahork.
Bríd was born in Ardsbeg on February 7, 1954 and was a daughter of the late Patrick and Rose Rodgers.
Family was the centre of her life. Bríd was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and her family brought her pride and happiness. She was a caring and loving mother who was always there for them.
Bríd married Stephen Ann O’Donnell in Holy Cross Church, Crosshill, Glasgow in 1975. They lived in Annette St. and sadly their first born child died. Three other sons, Stephen, Gavin and Damien were born over the following years.
In 1987 the family purchased a small business consisting of a small shop and a petrol pump in Crolly, Gaoth Dobhair. In the years that followed they established a successful business which included a supermarket and oil facilities.
Bríd was a wonderful wife and a tremendous support to her husband as they built up the business. Her contribution behind the scenes was immense, and she took great pride in what they achieved through hard work, determination and dedication.
For some 20 years Bríd was also well known for providing accommodation to students who came to Colaiste Bhríde, Rann na Feirste to learn the Irish language. In that role she welcomed young people from many parts of the country into her home, offering them not simply accommodation, but a warm and friendly environment in which they could enjoy their time in the Gaeltacht. Over the years many of those students would have fond memories of their stay and of the kindness and hospitality extended to them.
The final years were particularly difficult for Bríd. The loss of her husband Stephen from Motor Neurone Disease last year was followed by her own diagnosis of the same disease after his death.
Throughout her illness she faced her difficulties with great courage, supported by her loving family and the strength of faith which had sustained her throughout her life.
Her funeral Mass was held in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Annagry on Monday and she was laid to rest afterwards in the adjacent cemetery. The celebrant of the Mass was Fr Nigel Ó Gallchóir and the con-celebrants were Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh, Fr Seán Ó Gallchóir and an Sagart Pádraig Ó Baoighill.
Bríd was predeceased by her husband, Stephen Ann, their first baby son, her sisters, Kathleen and Rosie, her brother, Edward, her parents, Rose and Patrick Rodgers and her grandchild, Pio Iósaf.
She will be fondly remembered by her three sons and daughters-in-law, Stephen (Róisín), Gavin (Moya), Damien (Orlaith), her beloved grandchildren, Caoimhe, Ultán, Ruadhán, Bláithín, Croía, Áine and Ríona, her brothers, Brian, Patrick (Mary), Hugo (Patricia) and her extended family, nieces, nephews, in-laws and her good neighbours and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam uasal.
-Tommy Curran