THE funeral took place in the Church of the Irish Martyrs yesterday of Eileen Williamson, 4 Tara Court, Letterkenny.

A native of Donegal Town, she passed away on Sunday.

Friends and family gathered at yesterday’s Mass to offer a final farewell to a much loved and very popular lady. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Ciaran Harkin.

Addressing the congregation at the Mass, Eileen’s son Roderick delivered an emotional eulogy.

He began by thanking those who cared for his mother in her final days.

“It is difficult to put into words the gratitude we feel towards the Letterkenny University Hospital team of doctors, nurses, care assistants, domestic staff, porters and ambulance,” he said.

“The care our mother received was an absolute eye-opener.

“These people looked after mum like she was one of their own and we are exceptionally grateful.”

Born on February 16, 1949, just outside Donegal Town, Eileen was the fifth of seven children born to George and Bridget Williamson.

And even as a young girl, Roderick said her character shone.

“I recently found a school report from the Four Masters High School in Donegal Town written in the hand of the headmaster,” he said.

“It was dated July 28, 1966. Mum would have been round about 16-years-old.”

The report read: “Eileen Williamson has been a student at this school for the past three years. She was always popular, punctual in attendance and a keen student. She showed continual improvements and came over well in her class examinations.

“She was honest, caring, faithful, respectful, and quiet in manner. She has excellent character and I very much have pleasure in giving this reference.”

Roderick said the values of honesty, respect, faithfulness, quiet strength and genuine care for others became the foundations of her life.

“She carried these values into everything that she did,” he added.

Eileen devoted her life to caring for others, both in her work and in her personal life.

As a nurse in the Emergency Department of Letterkenny University Hospital, she offered compassion, skill, and dedication to those in need.

As a mother, she gave her three boys unwavering love, guidance, and support.

And as a friend, she was known for her quick wit, her generosity with her time, and her steady, reliable presence.

She was also involved with the Dyslexic Association of Ireland and Mary’s Meals, which took her far from Donegal, to working with families and babies with HIV in Malawi, to teaching in Mexico.

Another great love of Eileen’s was golf.

She was the former Lady Captain of Letterkenny Golf Club at Barnhill, a place where her great gentleness was said to give way to a steely determination and competitive streak.

“For those of you who know and love my mother, we will remember her not just for what she did, but for how she lived, with honesty, respect, faith, care and love,” Roderick said.

“These qualities shaped us, her family, and left their mark on countless others.”

After Mass, interment took place in Conwal Cemetery.

Ms Williamson is the beloved mother of Roderick Keating (Edinburgh), Trevor Keating and wife Heather (Kiltoy), and the late Jonathan (Johnny) Keating, Fernhill, Letterkenny.