Below are the recent local deaths.
May they rest in peace.
Mary Theresa Harrington (née Keating)
South Surrey, BC, Canada and formerly, Emo, Laois
Mary Theresa (nee Keating) Harrington, 87, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, in South Surrey, BC, Canada, surrounded by her children, who held her hands as she took her final breath. In fitting Mary fashion, she left this life on the same day she gave life to her firstborn, James—August 5, 1970. She often spoke of the cycle of life, and her departure on this symbolic day, 55 years later, feels like a poetic tribute to her enduring spirit.
Born May 26, 1938, in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England, to Irish parents Matthew and Bridget Keating, Mary was the eldest of eight children. During World War II the family returned to Emo, County Laois, Ireland, where it was all hands-on deck to keep the household fed, loved, and sheltered. As the eldest, much of that responsibility fell on Mary’s young shoulders, and her strength was forged from generations of grit, faith, song, humor, stubbornness, and a healthy dose of good auld country mischief.
As a girl, she worked on her grandmother’s farm in Cloncannon, then moved to Mullingar as a nanny to care for a family’s children, saving enough money to pursue her true passion: nursing. She studied at the Royal Glasgow Maternity Hospital (AKA Rottenrow) in Scotland, then returned to Ireland to begin her career at the Coombe Hospital in Dublin.
One fateful night at the cozy pub, Duffs Bray, County Wicklow, Mary spotted a dashing man in a blue suit across the bar—John Patrick Harrington. He was on a blind date dining with another woman. But that didn’t matter. Mary was captivated by his cerulean, blue eyes, blonde hair, and magnetic smile. So alluring, she barely noticed her own blind date. In fact, she knew John was stealing furtive glances with her, and instantly felt they had chemistry.
He was the one. Unfortunately, John pulled an Irish Goodbye and disappeared into the evening. Gone like the wind. Days later, she saw him again—this time in the maternity ward at the Coombe Hospital where she was working the night shift! This was odd. Rumors swirled that he was gallivanting around while his wife was in labor—until it was revealed he was simply there painting the hospital. The mystery man was single! And the universe had spoken. As the Irish say: “What’s meant for you won’t pass you by.”
In 1970, after they fell madly in love and tied a beautiful knot, John and Mary left Ireland aboard the Russian ship Alexandr Pushkin, sailing to Montreal and then crossing Canada by train with two suitcases and a dream. (No, they were not KGB spy lovers.) They settled in Prince George, BC, where they raised four children—James, John, Siobhain, and Francis—and built a life full of friendship, faith, sport, celebration, and community.
After 17 frosty years in the tundra, they moved to Surrey in the Lower Mainland for sunnier days and the salt air of the Pacific Ocean. Mary was a pillar of her community, deeply involved in the Good Shepherd parish and her vocation in nursing at Surrey Memorial and Peace Arch Hospital.
She loved the maternity ward and meeting new mothers and fathers. She found her true calling. After retiring in 2002, she volunteered as a Minister of Holy Communion, bringing the Eucharist to hundreds in hospitals, hospices, and homes. She gave of herself endlessly, always putting others first. And in the end, many of those she served put her first as she lay dying.
She often spoke of the tombstone’s “dash”—the time we have between birth and death—and the importance of living it with purpose and passion. Mary embodied that philosophy.
She was a raconteur with a wicked sense of humor, a genealogist at heart, and a seeker of connection. She could meet a stranger and somehow trace a thread back to Ireland, introducing long-lost friends or relatives with uncanny precision. She truly was the real Six Degrees of Mary Harrington.
Her party piece at countless shindigs, weddings, and good auld craics was Danny Boy—sung with a voice that could hush a room, stir hearts, and like a siren lure John to the Coombes Hospital to meet his destiny.
It became her signature, a melody that followed her through decades of celebration and connection. In her final hours, that same spirit lingered: the Rosary was whispered with devotion, and Elvis Presley’s baritone voice floated through the room, serenading her with Danny Boy “The pipes are calling.” It was as if heaven itself was gently preparing her passage.
To her children, she often implored: “Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are.” It was more than advice—it was a guiding principle she lived by. And she lived it well, cultivating lifelong friendships that became family.
Some may say that we are born alone and die alone. Mary thought that was nonsense. And on August 5th, she proved it—departing this world with her children at her side, hands entwined, love surrounding her like a warm blanket.
Her final moments were a testament to a life lived in connection, devotion, and grace. Seeing her children, together, at her bedside meant the heavens to her. Family was everything. Her mission was done. And she was satisfied and at peace.
Even in her last days, Mary lit up for every visitor. She smiled through pain and medication, making each person feel welcome at her bedside. She remained a mother and nurse to the very end—ensuring her family was safe, warm, and together.
Mary Harrington lived her “dash” with grace, grit, prayer, and boundless love. Her legacy of care, laughter, and connection will ripple through generations.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Patrick Harrington (2017), and is survived by her children James, John, Siobhain, and Francis.
She adored her grandchildren Patrick, Ronan, Cashlin, Ava, Dillon, Rhett, Jude, Arabella, and Brielle. She was proud of her beautiful daughters-in-law Nicole, Denise, and Candy, and her son-in-law, Rick Coopman.
In Ireland, Mary leaves behind a legion of amazing nieces and nephews. She loved her own brothers and sisters, and all of their children; The Booths; Richard, Bernadette, Matthew, Eugene, Adrian, Evelyn and Fiona. The Keatings; Bernadette and Pauline. The Kellys; Matthew. Mom always urged as to “Stay close” and “Be together” and we call all attest… we are closer now… and truly understand the importance of family. Mom also loved the Harrington clan dearly, especially Ken and Elain, and their children, Colm, Nicky, and Tracey. Family rules! Nothing is thicker than blood, except for Guinness perhaps!
She also leaves behind legendary friends who stood by her to the very end. You’ll hear more about these radiant people in the eulogy!
Mary’s celebration will be held at Good Shepherd on August 21st at 11AM PST in South Surrey and all are welcome, no matter how many degrees of separation you are from her. (I’m sure she knows you… or somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody who knows you!)
To watch Mary’s mass live on YouTube click on this link: https://youtube.com/@sosparish?si=SItFaCtDcacY5ufO
Noel Monaghan
Highfield Meadows, Portlaoise, Laois
Noel Monaghan. Highfield Meadows Portlaoise and formerly Drimnagh, Dublin – 21st August 2025. Peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his loving wife Phyllis and son Declan, son in law Paddy. Dearly loved father to Gerard, Carol, David and Pamela. Daughters in law Vivienne and Nuala. Cherished grandfather to Emma, Shane, Rachael, Keith, Alan, Niall, Davy, Sarah Jane, Matthew, and Keelin. Great grandfather to Luca, Loughlin, Jules, Sophia, Georgia, Abi, Arlo, Lincoln and Alex. Deeply regretted by all his nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Reposing at Keegans funeral home on this Friday evening from 6.30pm until 8pm. With funeral prayers at 7.30pm. Funeral arriving at SS Peter and Pauls Church for 12 noon mass on Saturday. Interment will follow in SS Peter and Pauls Cemetery.
Billy Byrne
Gash Court, Castletown, Laois, R32V9V4
Billy Byrne, Gash Court, Castletown, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Died August 20th 2025, peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore.
Predeceased by his beloved wife Teresa, sister Mary and brother Tommy.
Deeply regretted and will be sadly missed by his loving children Willie, Caroline, Kathleen, Sean, Anne-Marie and Claire, sons in law Decky, Keith and Trevor, daughters in law Fiona and Karen, his 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, sister Kathleen, brother Sean, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives, good neighbours and friends.
Billy will repose at his home (Eircode R32V9V4) this Friday evening (Aug 22nd) from 5pm to 8.30pm concluding with prayers at 8.30pm.
Funeral Mass Saturday morning (Aug 23rd) at 12 noon in St. Edmund’s Church, Castletown, (Eircode R32KT22) followed by interment immediately afterwards in Churchtown Cemetery, Castletown.
Billy’s Funeral Mass can be viewed on the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/@St.EdmundsChurchCastleto-tw7el
Sean Daly
Marina Park, Victoria Road, Cork/Laois
DALY (Marina Park, Victoria Road, Cork & late of Co. Laois): On August 19th, 2025, peacefully, at the Cork University Hospital, SEAN (late of P.J Hegarty), dearly loved husband of the late Eileen (née O’Keeffe), loving father of Martin, Thomas and Shane and dear brother of Michael, Fr Joe and the late Martin, Kay, Fr Peter, Peg and Paddy.
Sadly missed by his loving family, daughters-in-law Lynda and Anne-Marie, Tom’s partner Sabine, grandchildren Anna, Sarah, Lucy, Paul, Ella and Ellie, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Reposing at the Temple Hill Funeral Home, Boreenmanna Road of Jerh. O’Connor Ltd; On Thursday (August 21st) from 5.00pm to 6.00pm.
Requiem Mass at 10.00am on Friday (August 22nd) in St. Joseph’s S.M.A Church, Blackrock Road which can be viewed here
Funeral afterwards to St. Michael’s Cemetery, Blackrock.
SEE ALSO – Deaths in Laois – Thursday, August 21, 2025
