Laois fundraiser for bakery employee's bereaved daughters exceeds €20,000

A beautiful and kind mother of two is being grieved in Laois, having touched the lives of many local people.

Dorata (Dora) (Dora) Gabrysiak from Esker Hills Portlaoise died on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

She is grieved by her two daughters Suzanne and Julia, her mother Krystyna and her loving family including brothers Tomasz and Leszek.

Also grieving are her colleagues and customers and friends at Mueller and O'Connell Bakery in Abbeyleix.

Her friends have set up a Gofundme online account called Friends of Dora which within two days has exceeded €20,000. See link below story.

They explained why they are holding the fundraiser, and describe the lady that Dora was.

"We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support following the heartbreaking loss of our beloved Dora. So many of you who knew her as a friend, colleague, or simply through the warmth she shared with everyone have asked how you can help.

"In response to these kind requests, we have set up this GoFundMe to support the future education and well-being of Dora’s two cherished daughters, Suzanne and Julia, as they face an uncertain road ahead without their Mum.

Dora Gabrysiak at the counter in Mueller O'Connell bakery in Abbeyleix.

"Dora gave so much to all of us with her kindness, her laughter, her unwavering heart. This fund is a way for us to give something back, and to honour her legacy by supporting the people she loved most in the world.

"All contributions will go solely toward Suzanne and Julia’s future education and welfare, and the funds will be administered by the executors of Dora’s will to ensure they are used with care and integrity. Thank you for your generosity, your compassion, and for keeping Dora’s spirit alive through your support."

A celebration of Dora's life will take place at the Life Church Portlaoise (R32HA21) at 7 pm on Wednesday evening June 25.

Interment will follow in SS Peter and Pauls Cemetery Portlaoise.

"In keeping with her personality Dora would like everyone to wear bright and cheerful clothes to her funeral," her family say.

The family appreciate the support at this difficult time, and while welcoming cards and messages of support, they also hope for privacy to deal with the loss.

The community have written many messages of sympathy to the Gabrysiak family.

"I cried when I read Dora had passed away. She was such a special lady who's aura & smile had the ability to lift your spirits & brighten your day. A few years ago in MOC in Abbeyleix, Dora greeted me with her wonderful smile, looked at me & truly seen me. At the time I was wearing a chemo hat & my hair was slowly growing back. She looked at me, smiled her wonderful smile, asked me how I was & then told me I'd be ok. Her compassion & kindness melted my heart. To her Daughters, Mother, Brothers & wider circle of Family & Friends, I am so sorry for your profound loss.Heaven has truly gained an Angel.Rest Peacefully Dora," one well wisher said.

Portlaoise Cllr Marie Tuohy offers her deepest condolences to Dorota's daughters Suzanne and Julia, her Mother and all who grieve her loss.

"I first met her years ago in Portlaoise leisure centre where we had many chats. It was a pleasure to see her again in Abbeyleix and she was a ray of light that would brighten any day. May all your good memories give you strength. Rest with the Angels Dora," she said.

The McCrohan family from Mountmellick also gave a lovely tribute.

"It was with great sadness that we heard of Dora's passing .We first got to know her from her time working in Costa Portlaoise. Our daughter Eimear worked alongside her there. Dora lit up the coffee shop with her beautiful smile and always had time for a chat and a laugh. We missed her greatly when she moved to Abbeyleix. She was a most caring kind person with endless charm and fun. Dora sadly was taken too soon from this world and our sincere consolences go to her two daughters and her family. May she rest in peace.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley & TD Brian Stanley also offer their sympathies to the Polish community.

"Deepest sympathies to the family of Dora, her Children and Mum, her Brothers, and all the Polish Community. Dora was a beautiful lady, a great and well liked member of the community. She will be sadly missed. May she RIP."

Read also: Death notices for Laois on Monday, June 23 2025

A customer of Mueller and O’ Connell described her impact.

"Condolences to all of Dora’s family, friends and colleagues. A really beautiful person inside and out who made such an impact to all who came through the doors of Mueller and O’ Connell. Dora really brightened everyone’s day. Thinking of all those close to Dora, a truly special person".

Maria Byrne was her children's playschool teacher.