27th November 2022

In memory of Mrs Patsy McConville.

Celebrant: Fr. Des Loughran

St. John's Church, Gilford

At some point in time every family has to face today and even though it is a day that is pre-planned, not by us but, in its own expected way and time, it arrives as it did for Patsy, it is always unexpected for us.

Un-expectedness, shock or surprise is death's only weapon and what it leaves behind for us is without doubt cruel, and yet its host only comes to know eternal happiness which awaits us all also.

It is a great loss today for the McConville family who will have to go froward without their loving matriach.

Patsy was a devoted wife to Brendan until his passing in 1992 and a caring mother to her children Peter, Chris, Mairead, John and Mark; a loving grandmother to Ryan, Sarah, James, Emma, Lewin, Oliver, Josh and Ethan and, most recently, a proud great grandmother to Jasper and Neveah.

Always close to her side was her little dog Poppy, whose love and companionship enhanced her life greatly in her later years, 

Patsy lived a full, happy and healthy life until the age of 87 when, sadly, her health suddenly began to deteriorate. It was a great pleasure for her family to lovingly care for her in her own home, right up until her death and, for that, they will be eternally grateful. 

Patsy was the heart of the McConville family and it is clear that her passing will sadly leave a huge void for those close to her. She dedicated her life to looking after her children and grandchildren, and it is that unconditional love which will be her legacy. 

And so today we give Patsy back to God who will reward her for her great love and we will perform our last Christian act of kindness for Patsy, that of laying her body to rest in peace in Mother Earth.

And until it comes our time to be with Patsy again,  let us simply pray … eternal rest …

I would like to take this moment to offer my sympathies to Peter, Christopher, Mairead, John and Mark Patsy children also to Maria, Tracey, Charlie and Vicky, Patsy’s son and daughters-in-law and to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren and to Joseph her brother-in-law and to all her neighbours and friends as well.