Published: Wednesday, 3rd March, 2010 5:00pm

The late Maureen Merriman

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The entire local community was shocked and saddened to learn of the death, which took place on Saturday, February 6th, 2010, at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, of Mrs. Maureen Merriman (nee Kelly), Freighmore, Castlepollard, who was a native of Togher, Finea.

Her sudden passing brought deep sadness to her loving family and also to her many friends and neighbours. She was a most kind and caring person and for many years ran the local Social Service Committee from which she will be so fondly remembered and dearly missed.

The remains were removed to St. Michael's Church, Castlepollard, on Monday evening, February 8th, and the funeral took place after concelebrated Requiem Mass at 2 pm on Tuesday, February 9th, with internment in St. Michael's Cemetery.

The attendance at the removal, Mass and funeral was very large and widely representative of the esteem in which the deceased was held. Mrs. Merriman worked in England in the catering sector for 12 years before returning to Castlepollard where she became co-ordinator for Castlepollard Social Services, and oversaw the many activities in Castlepollard Day Care Centre which took place on weekly basis in Hotel Castlepollard.

She organised the many day trips and outings, to locations such as Dáil Éireann, Athlone, Longford, Lough Key Forest Park etc. Maureen was a tireless campaigner for the rights and benefits of those in distressed circumstances and the elderly in particular, and could be relied upon to answer calls for assistance at all times. Among her many pastimes was a love of painting, and of the Irish language and culture. She will sadly missed not alone by her immediate family, but by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She is survived by her loving husband Reggie, son Michael, daughter-in-law Maria, sisters Helen and Patricia, other relatives and wide circle of friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended.