Community in Midlands mourns sad passing of 'bubbly and brave' woman

A well-known business in the Midlands has paid tribute to a member of staff who has sadly passed away.

Dorota Garbrysiak, known as Dora to her friends, has sadly passed following a battle with cancer.

Dora had been a much loved staff member of Mueller & O'Connell Bakery in Abbeyleix.

The bakery took to social media with a heartbreaking tribute.

"With broken hearts, we share the incredibly sad news that our beloved Dora has passed away," the post read.

"Dora was more than just a part of our team — she was the heart and soul of our bakery. Her warm smile, gentle kindness, and unwavering love for people made her unforgettable to everyone who walked through our doors. Every customer felt it — the genuine care in her words, the joy in her presence, and the magic in the way she made everyone feel welcome," they said.

"Over the past few months, Dora showed a strength and grace that deeply moved us all. Her faith, her courage, and her incredible spirit were a light during her brave battle with cancer . Though she has now found her rest, her memory will live on in every corner of this place she helped shape.

"We were so proud when Dora received a Customer Service Excellence Award — a true testament to the person she was. But no award could ever truly capture the love and admiration we have for her.

"We are heartbroken, and we know so many of you will feel this loss alongside us. Please keep Dora’s family in your thoughts, and we kindly ask for privacy for them during this difficult time.

"Thank you, Dora, for everything. You will always be part of us," the post finished.

The post garnered hundreds likes in a matter of hours, and received hundreds of comments.

"We are shocked and saddened to hear the news of our beloved Dora," Blackhill Woods Retreat have said.

"Dora was at the heart of the bakery since the beginning, she was part of our morning and soon grew into a pivotal part that centred around the greater community of Abbeyleix and beyond with her welcoming smile, her love of life and her honest heartfelt joy.

"We are forever grateful to Dora and the joy she brought into our and so many other peoples mornings. She has left a mark not of sadness but of a deep rooted love for community and what this means for so many of us. We will honor Dora every time we remember her and take that first sip of coffee and see her face beaming with joy for the simple loving gift she gave us.

"All our love to you Dora and your beautiful girls, from our family to yours, Simon & Eilish."

"I am so sorry this very sad news she was an outstanding person in every way happy smiley and knew everything what each person needed coffee/chocolate," said Abbey Farm Foods.

"She will be sadly missed our thoughts are with her family and friends RIP Dora from all at G’sGourmet Jams."

One Facebook user commented: "Oh gosh I am so sorry to hear of Dora’s passing. Such a truly lovely lady. She always brightened our day with her smiles. She remembered our children’s names and was always very kind to us. What a wonderful soul to have known. We are so sad to hear this news. Thoughts and best wishes to her family, friends and to you all in the bakery," they said.

Another wrote; "Such sad news to hear, she was a fabulous warm bubbly lady. Rip Dora."

"I am so shocked to read this, every time you enter the bakery you would be greeted with the utmost kindness by this beautiful lady. Dora will be truly missed. Deepest sympathies to her family and friends," another wrote.

Funeral details later.