RIP: Longford saddened by death of remarkable lady who was an inspiration to everyone

Born with a disability and defying the odds of making life relatively comfortable is something rarely seen and for it to happen it takes a remarkable effort to make life as close to normal. 

This outstanding feat, during her lifetime, was achieved, with the tremendous support of her family, and Yvonne Chalmers, Barnacor, Lanesboro until she passed away on Thursday, September 11 following a short but bravely borne illness. 

Yvonne was predeceased by her parents, the late John and Phil Chalmers, Knock and later Barnacor. 

She attended the exceptional service of St Christopher’s Longford that offered and taught her to deal with the ways of the world.

Yvonne will be sadly missed along the footpath leading to town as she regularly walked from her Barnacor home into town to do her shopping and her visits to the church. She was a calm and serene woman who went about her life without any great deal of fuss.

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Yvonne loved to travel, a special trip for her was to visit Knock Shrine for its tranquillity and the opportunity to pray – another trip that stood out for her was her trip to visit her brother Johnny and his family for Christmas. She loved to visit spas, have her nails done and shopping for the latest in fashion and bling. 

Yvonne loved to paint and she would rise early in the morning to greet the morning sun that gave her inspiration for her art work. Since the passing of her mother Phil in January 2024 Yvonne spent her week days living in Independent accommodation in Longford while frequently coming home for the weekends. Yvonne will be sadly missed by everyone that knew and the memory of her independence will live long in our memories.

Her remains reposed at her family residence on Sunday, September 14 before being removed to St Mary’s Church on Monday for her Funeral Mass. Burial took place afterwards in Clonbonny cemetery alongside her parents. 

To her siblings Tracie, Johnny, Jackie and Robert, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, relatives, colleagues and many, many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.

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