Ita McCabe,née Jackman,of Brusna,Ballaghaderreen,Co. roscommon, and formerly of Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, passed away peacefully yet unexpectedly on January 16th, 2025, at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar. Her departure has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of her family, friends, and the wider community.
Ita was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Sandra McCann, her sister Marie Flynn, her brother Denis Jackman, step-sisters Ellen Overy, Nina O’Mara, and Catherine Bartlett, as well as step-brothers Eamonn and Gerry Long.Her legacy continues through her devoted husband Seamus,sons John and Seamus,and her cherished grandchildren—Paul,Cian,Chloe,David,Shauna,Oisin,Zara,and Leah. She is also fondly remembered by her son-in-law Martin, Seamus’ former partner Michelle, John’s former partner Breege, her sister Margaret Quinn of Fethard, co. Tipperary, and countless relatives, neighbors, and friends.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects as Ita lies in repose at The Kilgarriff Funeral Home in Ballaghaderreen on Sunday evening, beginning at 5 o’clock, with evening prayers concluding at 7 o’clock. Her removal will take place on Monday morning from her home to The Church of the Sacred Heart in Brusna, where the Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:30am. Burial will follow at Naomh Mobhí cemetery in Kilmovee.
For those unable to attend in person, Ita’s Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on the Kilgarriff Funeral Directors Facebook page. To access the live stream, click HERE.
For further data or inquiries, please contact Kilgarriff Funeral Directors Ballaghaderreen at 094 9860069.
May Ita’s gentle soul rest in eternal peace.
Remembering Ita McCabe: A Legacy of Love and Community
Table of Contents
- 1. Remembering Ita McCabe: A Legacy of Love and Community
- 2. an Interview with Seamus McCabe, Ita’s Beloved Husband
- 3. Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ita: A story of Love, Resilience, and Community
- 4. A Life Defined by Strength and Compassion
- 5. The Heart of the Community
- 6. A Festivity of Life
- 7. Living Ita’s Legacy
- 8. What are some specific examples of Ita McCabe’s involvement in her community that demonstrate her commitment to love and neighborliness?
an Interview with Seamus McCabe, Ita’s Beloved Husband
Archyde: seamus, thank you for taking the time to speak with us during this difficult period. Ita McCabe’s passing has deeply touched many. Can you share a bit about her life and the impact she had on those around her?
Seamus McCabe: Ita was the heart of our family. Her kindness, patience, and unwavering faith were a source of strength for all of us. She had a way of making everyone feel valued and loved, whether they were family, friends, or strangers.Her faith was the cornerstone of her resilience, helping her navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination.
Archyde: How did Ita’s faith shape her outlook on life and her ability to face adversity?
Seamus McCabe: Ita’s faith was her guiding light. She believed deeply in the power of prayer and the importance of community. Even in the toughest times, she trusted that everything happened for a reason. Her faith gave her the courage to face loss, illness, and hardship without losing hope. It was this strength that inspired everyone around her.
Archyde: What would you like people to remember most about Ita?
Seamus McCabe: I’d like people to remember her kindness and her ability to find joy in the simplest things. She had a gift for making others feel seen and heard. whether it was through her cooking, her words of encouragement, or her warm smile, she left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her legacy is one of love, faith, and community.
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ita: A story of Love, Resilience, and Community
Ita, a beloved figure known for her unwavering kindness and deep community ties, left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.Born in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny,she eventually made Brusna,Co. Roscommon, her home. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose life was a testament to love and perseverance.
A Life Defined by Strength and Compassion
ita’s life was not without hardship. She endured the loss of her daughter Sandra and several siblings, tragedies that would have overwhelmed many. Yet, she faced these challenges with remarkable resilience.
“Life is a gift, and even in the face of hardship, she chose to focus on gratitude and the people around her,”
said Seamus McCabe, reflecting on her enduring spirit. Her ability to find solace in her family and faith inspired those around her to cherish every moment.
The Heart of the Community
Ita’s connection to her community was profound. She was a familiar face at local events, a dedicated church volunteer, and a steadfast neighbor who always offered a helping hand. her home became a sanctuary for many,a place where people felt welcomed and valued.
“Her door was always open, and many would say her home felt like their second home,”
McCabe shared. Ita believed in the power of togetherness and worked tirelessly to strengthen the bonds within her community.
A Festivity of Life
To honor Ita’s memory, a Mass of the Resurrection will be held at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Brusna. The service, which will also be live-streamed, aims to provide comfort to those who knew her and remind everyone of the importance of cherishing their loved ones.
“Her faith was central to her life, and we want the service to reflect her deep belief in eternal peace,”
McCabe explained. The arrangements reflect the immense love and respect she garnered throughout her life.
Living Ita’s Legacy
Ita’s life serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of love and kindness. Her story encourages us to hold our loved ones close and extend compassion to others, even in difficult times.
“Ita’s life was a testament to the power of love and kindness.She showed us that even in the face of adversity, we can choose to live with grace and compassion,”
McCabe emphasized. Her legacy continues to inspire those who knew her and those who are just learning about her remarkable journey.
Thank you, Seamus, for sharing Ita’s story with us. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.
Readers, how has someone like Ita McCabe touched your life? share your thoughts and memories in the comments below.
What are some specific examples of Ita McCabe’s involvement in her community that demonstrate her commitment to love and neighborliness?
Celebrating teh Life and Legacy of Ita McCabe: A Story of Love, Resilience, and Community
An Interview with Dr. Eileen O’Connor, Family Counselor and Community Advocate
Archyde: Dr. O’Connor,thank you for joining us today to reflect on the life of Ita McCabe,a woman who touched so many lives in her community. As someone who has worked closely with families and individuals in rural Ireland, how would you say Ita’s life exemplified the values of love and community?
Dr. Eileen O’Connor: Thank you for having me. Ita McCabe was a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to the power of love,faith,and community. She had a unique ability to bring people together, whether through her involvement in local events, her acts of kindness, or simply by being a listening ear. in rural communities like brusna, the bonds of family and neighborliness are deeply ingrained, and ita personified these values. She was a pillar of strength for her family and a source of comfort for anyone in need.
Archyde: Ita faced significant challenges in her life, including the loss of her daughter Sandra and other family members. How do you think her resilience shaped her legacy?
Dr. Eileen O’Connor: Resilience is often born out of adversity, and Ita’s life is a perfect example of this. The loss of her daughter Sandra was undoubtedly one of the most painful experiences she endured, yet she channeled her grief into love and care for others. Her unwavering faith played a crucial role in this.She believed in the power of prayer and the importance of leaning on her community for support. This resilience not only helped her navigate her own grief but also inspired others to find strength in the face of thier own struggles.
Archyde: Ita’s role as a grandmother was clearly central to her identity. How do you think her relationship with her grandchildren reflected her values?
Dr. Eileen O’Connor: Ita’s relationship with her grandchildren was a beautiful reflection of her nurturing spirit.She understood the importance of passing down values,traditions,and love to the next generation. Her grandchildren often spoke of her warmth, her wisdom, and her ability to make them feel cherished.In a world that can often feel fast-paced and disconnected, Ita’s dedication to her family was a reminder of the enduring power of intergenerational bonds.
Archyde: What lessons can we take from Ita’s life, especially in today’s world?
Dr. Eileen O’Connor: Ita’s life teaches us the importance of kindness,faith,and community. In an era where technology can sometimes isolate us, her life reminds us to prioritize human connections. She showed us that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship but about finding meaning and strength in the face of it. Her legacy is a call to all of us to be present for one another, to nurture our communities, and to lead with love.
Archyde: Thank you,Dr. O’Connor, for sharing these insights.Ita mccabe’s life was indeed a remarkable example of love, resilience, and community, and her legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Dr. Eileen O’Connor: Thank you. It was an honour to reflect on the life of such an extraordinary woman. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.
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Ita McCabe’s life was a beacon of love and resilience, and her legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew her.For those who wish to celebrate her life, her Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on the Kilgarriff Funeral Directors Facebook page. May we all take a moment to reflect on her enduring impact and strive to live by the values she embodied.