It is with great sadness that the diocese of Killaloe heard of the passing of Dolores Madden of “Fanore”, Annaholty, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary a Volunteer Minister of the Scáth na Sionnaine Pastoral area and particularly in Castleconnell, Co. Limerick.
Dolores died suddenly at her home on new year’s day. She was the beloved daughter of the late Ned and so sadly missed by her loving mother Kathleen, sister Catherine, brothers Philip and Edward, brothers in law Mike and Michael, sister in law Susan, nephew Aaron, nieces Ava, Emily and Lucy, aunts, cousins, good neighbours and many friends in St. Vincent’s Day Centre Tipperary Town and all whose lives she touched through her pastoral ministry.
She was a treasured and talented member of the first group of volunteer ministers of the diocese of Killaloe trained in Mount St. Joseph’s, Roscrea courtesy of Mary Immaculate College.
Dolores had a wonderful sense of humour, always jovial, pleasant and outgoing and was dearly loved by the many people whose lives she touched. Her work in the Castleconnell area and the surrounding pastoral area was immense and she will be so dearly missed.
In recent times Dolores shared a prayer with a colleague in preparation for a remembrance service. The prayer is as follows:
“Life Is But A Stopping Place”
Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what’s to be,
A resting place along the road,
To sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way.
But never meant to stay… Our destination is a place,
Far greater than we know.
For some the journey’s quicker
For some the journey’s slow
And when the journey finally ends, We’ll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
Together with the Lord.
May Dolores Rest in Peace, Together with the Lord.
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Volunteer Minister Colleagues have penned the following tribute to Dolores.
A Life of Service and Spirit
Dolores Madden was a woman whose life was defined by a profound commitment to others. In her role as Pastoral Minister within the Killaloe Diocese, she brought comfort to those in need, helping to develop bereavement support, care of the aged, sacramental support and pastoral care with a signature blend of kindness and creativity. Her presence in the Castleconnell Parish and Scáth na Sionnaine Pastoral Area and beyond was a source of strength for many.
Beyond her remarkable service, Dolores was much more than just a friend and colleague; she was the vibrant life and soul of our Pastoral Ministry group. A natural entertainer, she possessed a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humour that could brighten the darkest of days. To those who knew her, she was a “true lady” whose infectious spirit and creative heart left an indelible mark on the Diocese and the many lives she touched.
Her absence leaves a void that words cannot fill, and our entire group is devastated by her passing. We will forever cherish the laughter she brought into our lives and the kindness she extended to all.
We offer our sincere sympathy to her mother Kathleen, her brothers Philip and Edward, her sister Catherine, her nieces and nephews, relatives, neighbours and her friends at St Vincent’s Day Centre. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.
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Dolores will be reposing at St. Joseph’s Church Castleconnell on Sunday 4h January from 3 to 5.30 p.m.
Requiem Mass on Monday 5th at 11.30 a.m., which can be viewed on www.castleconnellparish.ie, burial afterwards to Stradbally Cemetery Castleconnell.
Donations in lieu of flowers to care of the aged Castleconnell