Sad passing of Eileen Cushley, a lady of charms
John and Eileen Cushley celebrate their 60th Anniversary with daughters Marti, Eileen, Deirdre, Sheila, June and Mary TT3610-100JS
It goes without saying that the late Eileen Cushley will be grievously missed by her devoted family and her many friends and acquaintances; but this special lady will also be missed by hundreds of people who scarcely knew her, but were very grateful for her wonderful help!
That’s because Eileen had a charm for sprains and folk came from near and far, at all hours of the day and night, and the Dungannon woman was always delighted to help. Indeed, it wasn’t just humans she relieved of pain because, believe it or not, greyhounds, cattle, horses and all sorts of animals were brought to her home for assistance.
The 84 year old Ardbeg lady had been ill for a time, but her passing on last Tuesday afternoon came as a tremendous shock to the community at large, but most especially to the nearest and dearest - devoted husband John, six daughters and a son.
Unwell for a number of months, Eileen’s condition deteriorated on Friday week and she was admitted to Craigavon Hospital.
By Monday, she appeared to be staging a recovery and there was even talk of her getting home within a matter of days. Alas, things incredibly changed again very quickly and, despite her brave fight, she lost her battle for life and passed away peacefully surrounded by her sorrowing family.
I knew Mrs. Cushley well, having lived next door as the first families took up residence in the little estate built by the then Housing Trust on Donaghmore Road back in 1956. A cheerful and obliging neighbour, her chief objective in life was rearing her children well and looking after her loving husband.
The residents had come from all parts of the town to inhabit 28 houses in the little cul de sac which became a close-knit small community. Most of the original parents have gone to their eternal reward, the death of Mrs.Cushley an especially sad landmark, as John mentioned to me at the wake, because they had been the sole surviving couple.
Indeed, Eileen and John celebrated their own special occasion in September, 2009 - their diamond wedding anniversary, at which this photograph was taken.
It was such a happy event for the family and the memories will now be treasured all the more in the light of subsequent events because, not only has the family lost the home-maker but she was, of course, pre-deceased by the tragic loss three months ago of her daughter Eileen McBride.
That was a terrific blow for all the family but particularly for her mother, not least as it happened so suddenly with no warning whatsoever.
Mrs. Cushley, was born into a big family circle of Scullions in Brocagh, her only surviving sibling Elsie is wife of Pat Bowles, London.
A fine lady, with a positive outlook, Eileen was blessed with a superb sense of humour, a terrific conversationalist genuinely admired and respected by all with the pleasure of knowing her. Indeed, she crossed the generation barrier, as evidenced by her avid use of Facebook, where her friends spanned all age groups. And many of them made a point of meeting up with her every March 17 - at her favourite Irish Street pub, where she dearly loved to mark the feast of the patron saint!
Surviving children are June O’Reardon who lives in Cumbria, Tommy in Belfast, Marti McKenna, Deirdre Spendiff, Mary Bell and Sheila Sommerville. There are 23 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. My sympathy is extended to all who will miss this lovely lady.
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Weather for Dungannon
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
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