The death took place on Thursday, May 7 of Patricia (Tish) O’Shaughnessy (née Robinson), Rathfriland, Co Down.
Originally from Letterkenny, news of her passing has been met with great sadness among her family and many friends.
Patricia Elizabeth was born on April 16, 1948, to parents Lily and John King Robinson from Gortlee, Letterkenny.
She was the second of their six children, the first daughter, a younger sister to George and would, a short time later, become the older sister to Sylvia, Anne, Charlie and Jonny.
Raised in Gortlee, Letterkenny, her childhood summers were spent in Portnablagh in the coastguard cottage bought by her mother in 1954.
It was there, on the windswept but beautiful beach, that Tish and her siblings learned the true meaning of adventure – days spent outside whatever the weather: rain, hail, sun, or snow.
Her school years began at Barrack Hall Primary School, Letterkenny, before becoming a boarder at Coleraine High School.
Tish then began working at the Belfast Banking Company on Victoria Street. Living with her two sisters in rented accommodation, she enjoyed her independence, yet weekends always brought a return to Donegal.
This active social life led to her meeting Donal, who would become her husband of almost 52 years.
Donal had come to Letterkenny to work in the hospital. Through a mutual love of rugby, with his consultant boss, he was encouraged to join Letterkenny RFC where he befriended a young Charlie Robinson at an after-match function in the Cottage Bar. This friendship led to Donal meeting Tish and they were married in Dunfanaghy on September 14, 1974.
Soon after, in 1977, Tish and Donal welcomed James. Brian followed three years later and Sarah’s arrival three years after Brian would complete their family.
Tish would often tell how she felt like ‘Superwoman’ when she had Sarah – a little girl after two boys, and named after her own maternal grandmother.
In more recent times, Tish’s role of mother would evolve to mother-in-law as she welcomed Alison and Caroline into the family along with seven beautiful grandchildren, Lily, Rory, Ruby, Patrick, Rose, Izzy and Georgia.
Tish’s life was one of warmth, laughter, and unwavering love. She had a unique way of turning everyday moments into treasured memories.
She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humour, fun and devotion that will be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her remains reposed in Stephen Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, Rathfriland, last Friday before private cremation.