The late Elsie Igoe - ‘a woman of integrity and generosity'

The phrase “a life lived to the full” certainly applies to the late Elsie Igoe, who died recently having celebrated her 100th birthday in March of this year.

Elsie of Annagh, Ballykeeran, Athlone had a long teaching career and was known for her intelligence, her wise counsel to family and friends and her broad range of interests.

Speaking at the Funeral Mass on behalf of the Igoe family, Elsie's niece Mary Lynn reflected on Elsie's life and the indelible legacy she has left behind. “We have been so blessed and privileged to have had Elsie in our lives. It's hard to find enough words to describe her importance in our family,” said Mary.

A daughter of Brigid and William Igoe, Elsie was born in 1925 and attended Lower Warren School (a hedge school in Baylin) and then primary school in Athlone, travelling to school by “donkey and trap”.

She went to Our Lady's Bower Secondary School and graduated from University College Galway with a degree in Arts and Commerce. Elsie's teaching career involved stints in Athlone, Galway and Tullamore and, lastly, Dundrum College of Commerce, which later became Dundrum College of Further Education.

Mary said Elsie was “a dedicated teacher and a supportive colleague” and she enjoyed “a wonderful, fulfilling life” in Dublin. Elsie was a regular at the annual Dublin Horse Show at the RDS, and also enjoyed going to the theatre and attending recitals at the National Concert Hall. She was involved in the Women's Political Association, which was formed in the early 1970s to campaign for the election of more female public representatives.

Elsie returned to the Athlone area at the age of 85 and became enthusiastically involved with two local retirement associations, making new friends in the process. An avid reader with an enquiring mind, Elsie kept herself up to date on current affairs by reading The Irish Times and other publications, also testing her wits with crosswords.

“For us our best childhood memories are of Elsie arriving to visit during her school holidays. The appearance of the brown Mini caused great excitement,” recalled Mary, adding that six children would often pile into the back of the car at a time when seat belts and booster seats were virtually unheard of. Elsie always brought her camera on such outings, leaving behind a “wonderful collection” of photos, even though the children did not always appreciate being lined up for the photos at the time!

“It was her support, her wise advice and her balanced outlook on life that had most impact on us,” said Mary. “She didn't jump to conclusions, and you could approach her with just about any problem. If you wanted to find out what any member of the family was doing, you just contacted Elsie. She knew everything about all of us."

Describing her aunt as a “a very caring person”, Mary said Elsie helped to care for both her parents when needed at different stages, as well as her brother Bill.

“Elsie had lifelong friends and was an example of how to cherish and nourish friendships. She always kept in contact with her cousins near and far and was always a great source of information about our extended family,” said Mary.

Elsie loved horses going back to the time when her brother Pat was involved with them. Indeed, the extended Igoe family's interest in horses and equestrian activities has been carried on to the present day.

Elsie was a keen follower of horse racing on television and one of her “most treasured possessions” was a framed letter and photo renowned trainer Willie Mullins sent her as a birthday gift a few years ago. “I don't think the letter from President Michael D. Higgins for her 100th came near that letter in her estimation,” said Mary with a smile.

Mary acknowledged and thanked Camilla, Teresa and Marie for “the outstanding and loving care” they gave to Elsie, and her three carers (Stephanie, Catherine and Beatrize). Their efforts allowed Elsie to stay at home until a few weeks before her death. The “wonderful, caring staff” of South Westmeath Hospice and all the medical personnel who cared for Elsie were also thanked.

Elsie (Helen) Igoe of Annagh, Ballykeeran, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, and late of Ilex House, Mespil, Sussex Road, Dublin died peacefully on August 23 in the loving care of the staff at South Westmeath Hospice in her 101st year.

Predeceased by her parents, William and Brigid, brothers Pat and Bill, her infant brother John, her uncle Larry and her sister-in-law Peg. Elsie will be sadly missed with love and gratitude by her nieces and nephews Mary Lynn (and husband Liam), Bríd Fagan (Micheál), Willie, (Marie), Padraig (Teresa), Eddie (Camilla), and Joe (Ann), grandnieces and grandnephews, great grandnieces and great grandnephews, relatives, friends and colleagues and past pupils from Dundrum College of Further Education.

Elsie's Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Simon Cadam in Corpus Christi Church, Mount Temple, where Elsie was baptised all the way back in 1925. Fr Cadam previously served in the parish for almost 13 years during which time he became a friend of the Igoe family.

Describing Elsie as “a woman of integrity, faith and generosity”, Fr Cadam said she “sowed great seeds” for her family and indeed many others, all of whom benefited from her “great wisdom and advice".

Fr Cadam celebrated Mass to mark Elsie's 100th birthday, in addition to previous milestone birthdays, and organised a Papal blessing for Elsie from Pope Francis.

Following Elsie's Funeral Mass on Wednesday, August 27, burial took place afterwards in Cornamagh Cemetery, Athlone. May Elsie rest in peace.