Late Mary Holt's life was 'quietly shaped by care'

The funeral mass of Mary Holt, who, along with four-year-old Tadgh Farrell, died after a suspected petrol bomb attack at a home in Edenderry last weekend heard how her life was "quietly shaped by care".

In a homily at the funeral mass in St Mary's Church, Edenderry, this lunchtime, Fr Gregory Corcoran said: "Today we remember Mary whose life was quietly shaped by care. She started working in the old hospital at the tender age of 15 years. Never one for the spotlight, but at the bedside: helping, comforting, noticing the small things. That kind of work tells us a lot about a person. You don’t become a carer unless you have patience, compassion, and a generous heart. Day after day, year after year, Mary showed up for others when they were most in need.

"Indeed there is very few in this area who haven’t experienced the love, the care and attention of the staff of Ofalia House, through a loved one or family member.

"Mary’s death leaves an empty place: in her family, among her friends, in Uibh Fhaile house, and in the lives of those that she cared for. Grief today may feel mixed with shock, anger, confusion, and deep sadness. That too is part of love. We grieve because Mary mattered.

"Our faith does not pretend that life or death is easy. Faith doesn’t give us an easy pass in life. But faith does promise that death is not the end. We believe in a God who brings life out of death, light out of darkness, and hope even from tragedy. We entrust Mary now into God’s care - the same care she so often gave to others," he said.

Following her funeral mass she will be laid to rest in St Mary's Cemetery in Edenderry.

Mary will be sadly missed and forever remembered by her loving family: brothers and sisters Michael, Johnny, Margaret, Christy, Declan, Pauline and Brendan, their husbands, wives and partners, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives, friends and especially her work colleagues in Ofalia House, Edenderry.