THOMASINA KELLY died on February 16th and left behind a grieving family and a large circle of friends. Left behind, too, was An Taisce Association in northwest Donegal, to which she had devoted 25 years of service and attention. In her role as secretary and member of the National Council, Thomasina was known and respected in An Taisce circles throughout Ireland.
The text chosen at her funeral service was from St Paul: "My prayer is that your love for each other may increase more and more and never stop improving your knowledge and deepening your perception so that you can always recognise what is best". The hundreds of people in attendance sat in silent grief as her nephew, Father Prendergast detailed the appropriateness of the text. He reflected on Thomasina's life and her tremendous contribution to her family and friends and the environment of Donegal that she loved and cherished with such fervour and faith.
She had an innate ability to recognise "what was best" and to convey this special gift to all who came in contact with her. Often seen planting trees in Letterkenny with members of the Tidy Towns Committee and An Taisce members, she knew she wouldn't be here to see the trees reach maturity, but the future generations would reap the benefits. Field-day outings with historians and ecologists, architects and archaeologists were her passion; as she followed the professionals over bogs and fields, she never ceased to improve her knowledge.
Of hotelier stock in Slane, Thomasina received her formal education in Ireland, Scotland and France. But it was from her family, and especially her mother, that she received her life skills and self-esteem. At a very young age she was trained to be industrious; even at the end of her life one never found her idle. For 57 years she shared her life with A.D. (Billy) in Kiltoy and reared her two daughters, instilling in them her deep faith and good living. Her personal faith in God manifested itself in being a Minister of the Word and daily attendance at Mass. But she had faith, too, in humanity and a classlessness that enabled her to be comfortable in any company. Her ability to find the good in every person, enabled her to gather around her a team that used its talents, and she was the undoubted team leader.
Thomasina was laid to rest in Killydonnell, on the shores of Lough Swilly. Her friends will miss her in Kiltoy, where they were always welcome to visit, to share the news of the day, admire the garden and watch the river meander below. But A.D., Miriam and Finola, sisters and sons-in-law, grandchildren and the wider family circle will miss her more and hopefully all will find solace in the memories shared and the example set. May she sleep in peace.
M.McC.