LETTERKENNY woman Frances Gallagher has been remembered for leading a life devoted to companionship, friendship and family at her requiem Mass.

Ms Gallagher, of 8 Gaeltex Drive, Oldtown, passed away peacefully in the Donegal Hospice on Wednesday, December 31.

Requiem Mass took place in St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny on Friday.

Growing up, Ms Gallagher was the second eldest girl in a family of 12. Her working life began at Nazareth House in Fahan, followed by a role as a domestic at St Conal’s Hospital, before Frances and her husband Seamus took on the challenge of running The Hideout.

Addressing the congregation at Friday’s Mass, Chief Celebrant Monsignor Kevin Gillespie said her practical and outgoing personality was a great advantage in that line of work.

Ms Gallagher had a deep love for children, especially her nieces and nephews.

“Given Frances’ love of children, the loss of her own little Ann Bernadette must have been very sore both on her and on Seamus,” Monsignor Gillespie continued.

“But, she would go on to spend her life, in one way or another, looking after children and she loved greatly her own huge connection of nephews and nieces.”

Monsignor Gillespie said Ms Gallagher was full of fun.

“She loved music and she loved dancing, especially jiving,” he said.

“She must have been delighted to see how the dancing has revived among the younger generations in recent years.

“She was also incredibly adventurous and thought nothing of heading off to foreign climes with great friends.

“She even did a bit of childcare in Bulgaria and I am sure the locals must have gained an insight from her into how to care for and encourage children.”

Monsignor Gillespie said Ms Gallagher’s life revolved around family, children, friends, and being kind and supportive.

After Mass, burial took place in New Leck Cemetery.

Ms Gallagher is predeceased by her daughter, Ann Bernadette, husband, Seamus McDevitt and her parents, Billy and May.

She is deeply regretted by her loving family, brothers Willie, Kevin, John and James, sisters Jean, Ann, Carmel, Geraldine, Jacqueline, Aloysia and Siobhán, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.