Much loved Portlaoise teacher who left her mark on everyone she met laid to rest

The life of Eileen Loughnane, a wonderful mother and dedicated teacher who left her mark on everyone she met, was celebrated at her funeral Mass in Portlaoise on Saturday. 

Eileen, a home economics teacher at Scoil Chríost Rí, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 9. 

Monsignor John Byrne, Parish Priest in Portlaoise spoke about the sense of shock in the community and described Eileen as a vivacious, outgoing and loving person. 

"The sense of shock among her colleagues in Scoil Chríost Rí, her pupils past and present is palpable because they all have very fond memories of Eileen and great appreciation of what she meant to so many people," he said. 

Eileen taught thousands of pupils in her 42 years at the school and her love and dedication to her profession was recalled. 

Among the gifts to celebrate her life was a cooking book, a huge part of her teaching career which was brought to the altar by friend and Principal of Scoil Chríost Rí, Helen O'Donnell.

A rose was brought from Ballydesmond in County Cork to symbolise Eileen's love for her homeplace while fridge magnets signified the Loughnane family's cherished memories of holidays abroad.

Eileen's children Liam, Jamie and Mary Rose spoke at the end of Mass in a moving tribute to their mother.  

Her son Liam said Eileen's compassion and her empathetic nature was a pleasure to be able to grow up with and learn from. 

Her love of cooking was ignited by her grandmother Margaret and Liam shared how his mother was a master in jam and scone making. A gift she shared with so many. 

Mary Rose spoke about the great love between her mother and father Gerard who married in July 1985.

"Mam and dad were the love of each other's lives, always by each other's side, with the endless coffee dates, taking on life's adventures together the good and the bad," she said. 

"Mam always formed deep connections with everyone and through doing this she had nicknames for each and every person that had the pleasure of meeting her."

Her beloved students of Scoil Chríost Rí, who formed a guard of honour outside the church, were fondly known by Eileen as her 'munchkins and baby girls'. 

Jamie said teaching wasn't a job for his mother, it was a vocation.

 "Mam was a great educator in all life's lessons, progressive and beyond her years. We all appreciated the absolute dedication to not only her family but to her career, students and colleagues. 

"Mam did good deeds everyday but didn't seek any gratitude for anything. The amount of condolences and best wishes brought the family and friends great comfort during this difficult time."

There was a round of applause for the very moving eulogy which ended with a poem read by Jamie that he had shared with his mother. 

Eileen is survived by her husband Gerard, children Liam, Jamie and Mary Rose and grandchild Cillian. Deeply regretted by her mother Mary Murphy, brothers Gerard, Liam and Bertie, daughter in law Rachel, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, and extended family. 

Eileen was laid to rest in SS Peter and Paul's Cemetery, Portlaoise.