RIP: ‘Gifted’ Longford teacher and guidance counsellor ‘enriched many lives with her wisdom’

Many tributes are being paid to a ‘gifted’ Longford teacher and guidance counsellor who ‘enriched many lives with her wisdom’. 

Mary Sheridan (nee Brennan) of Allenagh, Carriglass, Longford passed to her eternal reward peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, September 23.

A former Chairperson of the Midlands Branch of Irish Guidance Counsellors, Mary’s contribution to education was hailed as ‘immeasurable and appreciated’ by Josephine O'Donnell, former Chief Executive Officer of County Longford VEC. 

In an online tribute, Ms O’Donnell wrote Mary’s ‘devotion and commitment as a teacher and guidance counsellor over the years was exceptional’. 

She continued, “Mary enriched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to have met her and made a hugely positive impact on her students and colleagues. She shared her vast experience, wisdom and time so generously and her warmth, positivity and good-humour endeared her to everyone.

“There are many thankful people thinking of you today, Mary. Some are thankful to have had you as a teacher; others as their guidance counsellor ; your family as a devoted and loving part of their lives and many are thankful to have had you as a loyal and supportive friend. Your legacy is one of devoted service, generosity of spirit, good humour and, in particular, an inspiration to us all.”

PICTURES: Mighty Quinn's: Renowned Longford business celebrates 150 years milestone

The management, staff & students of Ardscoil Phádraig, Granard expressed their deepest sympathy to the Sheridan and Brennan families on the sad and untimely passing of Mary. 

“We have wonderful memories of Mary, our former teaching colleague in Ardscoil Phádraig. An absolute lady, a gifted teacher who touched so many lives with her positivity and energy. May Mary's gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”

Coláiste Mhuire CBS, Mullingar posted on their Facebook page that they were ‘deeply saddened to share the passing of our teacher, colleague and friend, Mary Sheridan’.

Remembering Mary ‘as a devoted guidance counsellor and colleague for the past eleven years’, the school said she ‘supported and guided so many young men in our school community with kindness, wisdom, and care. She touched countless lives and will be remembered with deep gratitude’.

The tribute by Mary’s colleagues and students concluded, “Mary will be profoundly missed by students (past and present), staff, and all who knew her. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time. She was a legend.”

PICTURES: Tennis players from all over the country take part in Longford’s answer to Wimbledon

Prior to embarking on her successful teaching and guidance counselling career, Mary spent some time working with CIE in Dublin and she was also well known for her involvement with the Credit Union.

A kind neighbour, many have great memories of Mary’s fun and laughter playing badminton in The Temperance Hall and of his work with Community Games. She was a class act who encouraged everyone and was so willing to help and share her expertise.

Mary also loved a round of golf and she was an active member of the ladies club at County Longford Golf Club. On their social media platform, the club posted a poignant tribute. 

“Mary cheerfully enjoyed the golf. She was a member of the ladies committee for some years and a very popular manager of our successful intermediate team. She was a member of the winning team on Captain's day in July.

“She had booked to be on the Lady Captain's group to Spain last week until the very short illness caused her cancellation. To Frankie and all Mary's family we offer our sincerest sympathy. May her dear soul rest in peace.”

RIP: Longford lawyer Conor Gearty was a ‘towering figure in the field of human rights’

The late Mary Sheridan (nee Brennan) was pre-deceased by her father Michael and by her infant brother Pat. 

She will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her family, her beloved husband Frankie, daughters Elaine and Claire, sons David and Kevin, mother Margaret, sisters Bríd, Cáit, Eileen and Detta, brothers Stephen, P.J. and Micheál, daughters-in-law Aisling and Aoife, sons-in-law Dave and Steve, grandchildren Sadhbh, Donncha, Síofra, Naoise, Daithí, Faye, Ingrid, Joni, Ultan and Aida, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace.

Reposing at Glennon’s Funeral Home, Ballinalee Road (N39 EC81) on Thursday, September 25 from 6pm concluding with prayers at 8pm. 

Mass of the Resurrection takes place in St Mel’s Cathedral on Friday, September 26 at 11am, followed by cremation service in Lakelands Crematorium at 2.45pm. The Funeral Mass will be streamed live HERE.

Family flowers only please, donations if desired to Longford Hospice, c/o Glennon Funeral Directors or any family member. House private please.

PICTURES | Sharing and creating new memories at Longford Memory Walk