'End of an era' death of Laois postmistress after a century in same family

The death of retired Mountmellick Postmistress Eithne Burns has been described as "the end of an era" by the community, with many tributes paid to her.

Ms Burns died on Saturday, April 20 at Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, in her 90th year.

A resident of Oakdale Nursing Home, Portarlington in recent years, she had spent her entire life in the family home beside O'Connell Square, beside the family's post office.

She served the town with dedication and decency as postmistress for 46 years, from 1959 until 2005, keeping the post office in the Burns family for over 100 years. 

Proud of her essential community role, Ms Burns lived through two Post Office raids in her career, in one bravely following the raiders onto the street to try to prevent their escape.

Her funeral cortège paused at the old Post Office, en route to the Methodist church for the service on Wednesday, April 24.

Reverend William Hayes noted in his service that it was in the same church in which her Presbyterian grandparents, Heuston and Margaret were married in 1882, with Heuston later being appointed postmaster in 1900.  

A devoted Presbyterian, Ms Burns played the organ, did the accounts and for a time taught Sunday School for her local church.

She was a much loved aunt and a beloved sister of the late Joan, Iris, Florence, Hilda, Sam and Ann.

She will be greatly missed by all her nieces, nephews, friends, neighbours and all at Oakdale Nursing Home.

She was laid to rest in St Paul's Church graveyard, Mountmellick.

Laois TDs Charlie Flanagan who is from Mountmellick, and Minister Sean Fleming were among the many offering condolences.

"Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Miss Burns on her sad passing. Fond lifelong memories of her kindness and courtesy over the years behind the Post Office counter. May Eithne rest in everlasting peace," Deputy Flanagan said.

"My deepest sympathy to all Eithne's nieces, nephews, friends, neighbours and all at Oakdale Nursing Home on the passing of Eithne. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. May Eithne Rest in Peace," Minister Fleming said.

"Having known Eithne almost since coming back to the area in the seventies, she leaves a void that none can fill. She shared her christian fellowship, unshakeable convictions and laterly her friendship. Her forefather came to help build the telescope at Birr so that we could better appreciate creation, I'm sure Eithne today is looking at the face of her creator and beginning that journey of appreciation," Peter Collins said.

The McElwee family and staff said "We are so truly very sorry to hear of the loss of Miss Burns. So much a part of the fabric of Mountmellick, it is hard to believe she has departed these shores. Our deepest sympathies to all of the family at this sad time.
May she rest in peace."

Her Canadian cousin also sent condolences.

"Condolences to all the Burns Family clan on the recent passing of Eithne. I have fond memories of meeting Eithne and some of her sisters when my mother Margaret Burns Ellison (daughter of Frederick George Burns) and I visited Ireland in 1993. Sorry to hear that the Burns' long Mountmellick era has come to a close. Wishing you all comfort in your grief. From Cousin Kerry Ellison, Calgary, Canada".

"I'm very sorry to hear of the sad passing of Eithne. I have lovely memories of having tea with Eithne, her mother and her sisters when I first came to Mountmellick. We had many great chats over the years. It truly is the end of an era. My Deepest Sympathy to all the family. May Eithne Rest in Peace," Pat Sheils said.