Funeral of Offaly's Lorna hears she was 'kind, loving, caring, family person'

At her funeral Mass in Tullamore today, Lorna Kearney (née Woodnutt), who died tragically on Friday, September 29, was remembered as "a kind, loving, caring, family person," whose "beautiful smile lit up every place she went".

The service in the Church of the Assumption this morning was celebrated by Rahan parish priest Fr Michael Whittaker, and concelebrated by Fr Frank Guinan, Fr Barry Condron and Fr Fergal Cummins.

Welcoming Lorna's friends, neighbours and work colleagues, Fr Whittaker said the service was being held "in the spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving for Lorna's life and all she brought and meant in the lives of all present.

"As we gather with you this morning, our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to you all, and we all offer our prayers with you and for you at this most sad and difficult time for you."

He spoke about the sense of "deep sadness" in the aftermath of Lorna's death.

"We grieve, we pray, we hurt. This is the heavy price we pay for love," he said.

Gifts brought to the altar during the service included a family picture, and a laptop "representing Lorna's life's work in the pharmaceutical industry".

"Along with pharmaceutical skills, Lorna had qualifications as an SNA, as a dental assistant, and in reflexology. Lorna believed in education, and she encouraged all to develop their gifts and talents," said Fr Whittaker.

Other gifts brought to the altar included a Bible, a skipping rope, and a dog lead to represent Lorna's love of her two dogs.

"All of these gifts represent Lorna's life as a great family person, friend, neighbour and work colleague. A person of deep faith and prayer," said Fr Whittaker.

He added that everyone present would have "their own particular fond memories" of Lorna, and that these were "memories to be held and treasured forever".

The service heard that Lorna was a "beautiful person on the inside and out" who was "gifted with a lovely, warm personality".

"Her beautiful smile lit up every place she went, as did her wit, her joy, her fun and good humour," said Fr Whittaker, adding that she "especially enjoyed time spent with family" and at family gatherings and celebrations.

She was "honest, loving, caring, a giver, and supportive to everybody," he said.

"She travelled widely through England, America and throughout Ireland" and possessed "a great general knowledge".

In addition, she was "blessed with so many good friends from her time in London, America, and all around Ireland."

The service was also told of Lorna's interests in fashion, exercise, and looking after her dogs.

A reflection at the end of the Mass described her as "a committed Christian" who "read the scripture daily, especially the Psalms, which she took great comfort from".

The reflection ended with a reading of Psalm 23, which begins; "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul."

May she rest in peace.