Death of Kitty in her 104th year

IT is with great regret that we report that our oldest and much-loved resident, Miss Kitty O’Driscoll, Letter, in her 104th year, passed away after a short illness in Bantry General Hospital on Monday last, July 1st.

Though all of Kitty’s siblings are long since gone to their eternal rewards, the whole community is in mourning as this quiet, reserved and unassuming lady was held in such high esteem.  It was less than two months ago, May 7th, when Kitty, still hale and hearty and living on her own celebrated her 103rd birthday surrounded by relations, neighbours and friends in the kitchen of her home, which over the years was a haven of extreme welcome to all and sundry.

That birthday celebration was even made more special for her with a return visit, all the way from Virginia in the United States, of her cousin Tom Finn, his wife Kathleen and niece Jennifer. Tom’s grandmother was Minnie O’Driscoll from Letter and Bridget O’Driscoll, Kitty’s aunt, stayed with Minnie in her home in New Jersey on her safe arrival in New York in April 1912, having survived the sinking of the Titanic.

After the initial shock of the news, Kitty’s wonderful long and healthy life was remembered and celebrated during the week at her obsequies, details of which will be reported upon in next week’s Ballydehob Notes.

Kitty, i gcónaí inár gcuimhne and i measc na n-aingeal agus na naomh go raibh tú!