Offaly nurse retired on three separate occasions but was asked back to work

THE recent passing of Rose O’Brien, Daingean Road, Tullamore, evoked much sadness and nostalgia in the locality and surrounding areas.

Rose, who was in her 94th year, passed away serenely on January 4th 2025 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Rose, who was predeceased by her beloved husband Joe and infant son James was born in 1931 to Bridget and James Deegan and grew up in Cappincur, alongside her sister Nellie and brothers PJ and Willie. Rose cherished life and often proudly relayed stories of her childhood and the fun- filled summers that she spent with her relations in Ballinagore.

Having completed her secondary education in Tullamore Vocational School, where she was successful in securing a scholarship through Irish, Rose worked in the County Council prior to going to Liverpool to train as a nurse. Rose loved nursing and loved Liverpool and her family heard numerous stories of all the fun and the laughter that was had with her many friends, many of whom she kept in contact with up to recent years.

After training as a midwife in Holles Street, Rose travelled to Chicago, where she met Tinnycross native Joe O’Brien.

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As the Head Nurse of a large neurological unit, Rose nursed her brother P.J. for a short period until his untimely death, aged 27. On 30 December 1961, Rose married Joe in in St. Justin de Martyr’s church in Chicago and started their married life in Chicago until their move to Enniscorthy. After farming for 7 years in Enniscorthy, Rose and Joe bought the shop and post office in Ballinagar where Rose was the postmistress, a role which she loved. With the establishment of O’Brien Mollen in 1973, a final move was on the cards to the Daingean Road, to what would become Rose’s home of over 52 years.

As a nurse, Rose worked in a number of different settings, including Tullamore Hospital, Riada House, the Day care Centre, Consolation Home and the Convent of Mercy. She retired three times and was repeatedly asked to return to nurse, so after a few thoroughly enjoyed retirement parties, Rose was well into her 70s before she finally hung up her uniform.

In her spare time Rose also provided first aid to the local girl guides and also served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. Rose had a strong, lifelong faith and nursed voluntarily in Lourdes on a number of occasions, memories which she treasured.

Rose had a genuine interest in people, loved travelling and particularly loved meeting people from different cultures and countries. Rose had a warm, friendly and kind disposition, coupled with a great sense of humour, which endeared her to many. She had a beautiful smile and never forgot to say thank you, even when she was terminally unwell.

Another great love of Rose was singing. She was always singing and still managed to sing, which turned to humming, as she became weaker in her final hours.

Rose had great relationships with her relatives, her many friends, work colleagues, nurses, doctors, carers and neighbours and was always grateful that she had such great people around her. In her final days so many people made huge efforts to come to visit Rose and Rose’s family were humbled by the love that was so openly expressed by so many.

Rose is survived by her sons Ger, Joe, Justin and daughters Carmel, Veronica and Angela, her ten grandchildren, daughters-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Rose’s funeral mass took place in The Church of the Assumption, Tullamore, on 7^th January and was celebrated by Fr. Fergal Cummins and co-celebrated by Fr Joe Deegan, PP Clara and Fr. Barry Condron, PP Tyrellspass. Rose was interred in Durrow Cemetery and prayers at her graveside were said by Fr. Mick Whittaker, PP Mucklagh.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

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