Remembering Vera (Veronica) O’Meara

The death took place on Monday, June 23, of Vera (Veronica) O’Meara, Somerset, Lorrha.

Vera, who was née Gannon, passed away in the loving care of her family and the staff of Bushy Park Nursing Home.

A native of Johnstown, she was born in Co Kilkenny in 1940 into a farming family, the second youngest of seven children. Her father, having previously served in the US Army, had returned home to Johnstown and her mother was a member of the local Scott family.

Vera attended the Brigidine Convent in Abbeyleix, Co Laois where she was a boarder. She then went on to train as a Domestic Science Teacher at St Catherine’s College for Home Economics Teachers at Sion Hill in Dublin. Upon qualifying, Vera taught in a number of schools around the country, including Newport Vocational School, Co Tipperary, Presentation Secondary School in Ballyphehane, Cork and Presentation College, Terenure, Dublin.

Vera came to Lorrha on her marriage to John O’Meara, Somerset in 1974. She settled into life as a farmer’s wife and mother to two young daughters.

As the children got older, Vera used her business acumen to run a Bed and Breakfast at Somerset, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She was also a valued member of Toastmasters as well as the Irish Georgian Society, Birr for a number of years. Vera had a number of other interests including politics, current affairs, fashion and interiors, and was known for her great humour and hospitality extended to family and friends.

Sadly, Vera developed Parkinson’s disease a number of years ago and went to reside at Bushy Park Nursing Home, Borrisokane, where the management and staff took very good care of her, and the family extend sincere thanks to.

Sincere sympathy is extended to her husband John, daughters Aisling and Sinead, her sister Maureen and brother Jim, nephews, nieces and many friends and neighbours on their great loss and to whom sympathy is extended.

Vera’s remains were removed to St Ruadhán’s Church, Lorrha, where her Funeral Mass took place on Friday, June 27. May she rest in peace.