Tributes have been paid following the passing of a well-known Newry woman who turned 100 only two weeks ago.
Vera McGahan, who passed away yesterday (Wednesday), was a staple in the local community, having been described by ex-councillor Gavin Malone as someone who “devoted her life to others”.
Vera’s funeral will be held at St Catherine’s Church, Newry, at 12:30pm on Friday (March 1), followed by burial in Mullaghbawn Cemetery.
Formerly of Johnston’s Terrace, Vera was the secretary of the Bosco Youth Centre from 1972 until six years ago, where she served the young people with “kindness and diligence”.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Jim McGuigan from the centre filled in the gaps of a life well lived.
He said: “Under the leadership of Jack Mackin, Tommy Fegan, Pat O’Hanlon, Rosie Carey and our very own Dearbhla Monaghan, Vera served the centre and our children and young people with kindness and diligence.
“For almost 50 years Vera was the internal auditor and administrator ensuring everything was as it should be.”
Continued Jim: “Outside of the Bosco she was proud to be known as a “Dominican” Catholic. She served for many, many years as a lay Dominican, coordinating those involved in the liturgy of the word and in many other supporting positions.
“Vera loved her extended family having been widowed early in her life. In 2014 the Bosco helped her celebrate her 90th birthday and on February 12 this year her house didn’t stop as family, friends and neighbours visited her on her 100th Birthday.”
He added: “Today we remember all those wonderful years we were blessed to have Vera with us. We celebrate the quiet but very significant contribution she made to the lives of her family and friends. We in the Bosco would like to publicly express our gratitude to Vera for her many years of service and dedication. May God welcome Vera home, and grant her the rewards she greatly deserves.”
