THE communities of the Twin Towns came together on Wednesday past to say a final goodbye to Eileen Harkin, one of Stranorlar’s most beloved residents.

Eileen sadly passed away last Sunday in her 100th year, peacefully at home at Main Street, Stranorlar, surrounded by her loving family.

She was remembered as a pillar of the local community at her Requiem Mass in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar.

Eileen was born on Navenny Street in Ballybofey and was the youngest of ten children.

Having been baptised in the Church of Mary Immaculate on February 26, 1927, Eileen walked through the doors of the church countless times in her 99 years of life.

‘ANCHOR’

“She was an anchor of this parish,” said Fr Kieran McAteer. “A wonderful church person whose faith was not a Sunday obligation, but the very oxygen she breathed.”

She sadly lost her father at the age of three, and later her husband, John, and son, Patrick.

Family, faith and community were of utmost importance in Eileen’s life.

“For many, many years, she was the one who counted the Sunday collection for our parish,” said Fr McAteer.

“She knew how to count blessings, but she also knew how to give back to the community that she loved.

“The Bible speaks about the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation. Eileen did that, and she did the building of that foundation right in those benches down there to my left especially. Also in the sacraments and in her deep love for God.”

Fr McAteer spoke of how Eileen carried her faith with her throughout daily life.

“For 30 years, she served our community in the library until she retired at the remarkable age of 83,” he said.

“She loved that work. She loved books and learning, even though she herself had to leave school when she was just 15 – it was a different era – to work. She worked in McClure’s, now Alexander’s, to support the family.

“But again, Eileen’s real love was people. She had a great interest in everybody, and she had a real grasp of the history of the Twin Towns. She was very much about the local, and how much help and inspiration she gave all the people coming to the library to read, adults and children.

“She was blessed with eight children of her own, and she didn’t just teach them the faith through words; she lived it. She passed on real Gospel values through, in the simplicity of her life, her kindness, her gentleness, and her deep faith.”

LEGACY

Fr McAteer described Eileen as a “wonderful example” to the community and added that her legacy will live on.

“And if she was ever missing a day, people were wondering what was wrong with her because they could see her on the livestream, and if she was out of her seat, she was noticed,” said Fr McAteer.

Addressing Eileen’s family, Fr McAteer said: “You’re so grateful for having had your mother for so long, and you heard many stories over the last few days that made you proud. You looked after her with a heart.”

The readings at yesterday’s Mass were performed by Brian and Denise Harkin. Prayers of the Faithful were read by John Harkin, Conor Malone and David McDaid.

On behalf of the family, Fr McAteer thanked all those who have shown their support and helped out in any way over recent days.

After the Mass, Eileen was laid to rest in Drumboe cemetery.

Eileen is predeceased by her husband, John and son, Patrick.

She is deeply regretted and lovingly remembered by her sons, Hugh (Carmel), Daniel (Ann), Brian, (Donna), daughters, Denise, Kay (Ronan), Eileen (Brian) and Monica (Colm), her 17 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.