SADNESS swept over a West Limerick community this week as the well-known mother of a Limerick Minister passed away.
Nellie O’Donovan (née King), mother of Limerick Minister for Higher and Further Education, Patrick O’Donovan TD, passed away peacefully at the family home on Monday (May 13).
Mrs O’Donovan, aged 83, of Churchtown Road, Newcastle West, and late of Drawlin, Bruree, County Limerick, passed away peacefully with her family by her side.
Pre-deceased by her husband John, her parents, sister Lil and brothers Jack and Patsy, Mrs O’Donovan is survived by her daughters Joan and Miriam, sons Patrick, Jerry, Stephen, and John, brother Jerry, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, and a wide circle of friends and carers.
Mrs O’Donovan is to be laid to rest on Thursday (May 16) in Calvary Cemetery, Newcastle West, after 2pm requiem Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Minister O’Donovan’s Fine Gael party colleague, Senator Maria Byrne, spoke to Live 95 to express her condolences with the O’Donovan family, saying: “I know that while she has been ill for a number of years, (her family) were so committed and dedicated to looking after her and it’s lovely that the family have been there for quite a while with her, and my sympathies to Patrick, Stephen, and the rest of the family.”
Tributes online described Mrs O’Donovan as a good natured lady who always liked a chat, with many local admirers in the community flooding to RIP.ie to pay their respects to Minister O’Donovan and the extended O’Donovan and King families.
“Deepest sympathy on the sad passing of Mrs O’Donovan. Fond memories of meeting her on the street and having a chat with her. May She Rest In Peace,” one tribute read.
Another said: “We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. Having lost both of my parents last year I know the sudden void that it brings and extend our sympathies to you. May she rest in peace, amen.”
