A caring and loved teacher
Sad passing of Marie Bane
A teacher, so caring, so kind, and so loved.
The late Marie Bane is very fondly remembered on her passing.
Scores of her past pupils, many now in excellent careers in far flung parts of the world, joined thousands of tributes which poured in to express appreciation for her influence on their careers in life, following the passing of a much loved former second level teacher last week.
A native of Scariff, Co Clare, Marie Bane, spent most of her long teaching career under the VEC in North Tipperary and resided at Nenagh.
She taught French, history and geography having being appointed to the staff at Borrisokane Vocational School in the 1970s shortly after qualifying from UCD.
In the 1980s she moved to Newport Vocational School, now Newport College, where she was appointed Deputy Principal and Career Guidance Counsellor over a career of nearly a quarter of a century teaching at the college up to her retirement.
Her dedication to the welfare and career successes of her students was a hallmark of her teaching life which has been indelibly engraved in the remembrances of her by the thousands of students who passed through her classes over the decades.
The outpouring of sadness and the expressions of appreciation for the influence which she had on their lives and successful careers, flowed in from as far flung locations as Chine, United States, various parts of Europe and all corners of Ireland showing the palpable grief felt as word spread of her passing at the Galway Clinic last week following a short period of illness.
SYMPATHY AND LOSS
A candle burned brightly beside a vase of flowers and expression of the sympathy and loss felt at Newport College where the air was sombre as she was vividly and fondly remembered throughout the corridors where she spent most of her teaching career.
A message from the college read: "It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend and former Deputy Principal, Marie Bane.
“For many years, Marie devoted her life to our school community, giving generously of her time, wisdom, and care. Her contribution to the life of the school was immeasurable, and her influence continues to be felt in the countless lives she touched.
“Long before pastoral care became a recognised priority in education, Marie understood its importance. She quietly supported students, staff, and families alike, offering kindness, encouragement, and guidance to all who crossed her path. Her door was always open, her advice always sincere and her compassion unwavering.
“She was steadfast in her principles yet always a true lady - honest, lived by her faith, gracious, and deeply respected by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her dedication, integrity, and gentle strength helped shape the character of our school and left a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten. We acknowledge each of our past students who held Marie in such high esteem when speaking of their time in Newport College.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends, and all who mourn the passing of Marie. We are profoundly grateful for the gift of her presence among us and will cherish her memory always.
“May Marie rest in peace with the Lord.”
CONDOLENCES
In a message of condolence, Clodagh Kelly, CEO, Tipperary-Clare Education and Training Board and former Principal of Newport College said: "Sincere sympathies to the Bane family on the untimely death of Marie. She was an amazing educator, with great empathy for all she cared for. She was a huge support to me when I started as Principal in Newport. She was a huge loss to our school when she finished with us. I'm sure there will be a huge void in the Bane family - she was so proud of you all. May Marie rest in peace.”
A past pupil based in Chicago wrote: "Marie was one of my teachers at Saint Joseph’s in Newport in the late 1980s. She was one of the most influential people in my life at that time. She pretty much insisted on me filling out paperwork to go to college which shaped the rest of my life in a very positive way. She was such a positive influence to so many people at that time and we were very lucky to have her. I’m very sad to hear of her passing.”
A Dublin-based past pupil wrote: "I have often thought of her down the years - always with fondness and good memories. Her passing is sad and poignant for hundreds of students on whom she was a positive influence.”
Another wrote: “I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Marie or Miss Bane as we knew her in Borrisokane Community College. She was a wonderful French teacher and a truly lovely person who inspired and encouraged so many students. I will remember her with great fondness and gratitude.”
The flood of messages from past pupils, former teaching colleagues, and families whom she had come into contact with, flowed in from all corners of the globe in the hours and days after her passing filling several pages on RIP.ie.
NENAGH RESIDENT
Residing in Nenagh, she was recognised by her neighbours and friends as the thoughtful, kind, caring and generous person who had a smile for everyone.
One of them wrote in a condolence message to the family that she made a lasting impression:
“Marie was a wonderful family friend - caring, thoughtful, and always thinking of others. She called to my gran every day in Abbey Street and my gran was very fond of her, treating her like a daughter.
“Marie was also so good to my mum also, never forgetting to call at Christmas time and sitting with her and chatting. Mum used to look forward to Marie calling. Whenever you met Marie out shopping, the first thing you noticed was her beautiful smile. She had a kind, caring and affectionate nature that made everyone feel valued.
“Marie touched the lives of so many people through her kindness, generosity and friendship. She will be remembered with great fondness and sadly missed by all who knew her.”
Daughter of the late Kevin and Maisie Bane, she is survived by her brothers Seamus and Donal and her sister Mairéad; her sisters-in-laws Margaret and Mary; nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Her remains reposed at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Scariff, and following concelebrated Requiem Mass burial took place at the New Cemetery, Carrowmore, Scariff on Friday.
The representatives of “the family of Newport College” to which she was so endeared were welcomed to the Mass where the Newport College crest was displayed.