Death Notices for Laois - Thursday, April 16

Mercedes Maher - Portlaoise

The death has occurred of Mercedes Maher (née O'Donoghue), Beladd, Portlaoise, who passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on the 15th April 2026 in the care of the dedicated staff of Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

Dearly loved wife to John and loving mother to Richenda and Darren, mother-in-law to Marian.

Predeceased by her parents, Brigid and Richard O’Donoghue and her brothers Eddie, Larry and Richard, sister Breda.

Deeply regretted by her loving family, brothers-in-law, sisters in law, Nephews , nieces . Relatives , neighbours and friends . Former colleagues in Eircom.

Funeral will arrive at SS Peter and Paul's Church on Saturday for 12 noon Requiem Mass. Interment will follow in SS Peter and Paul's Cemetery Portlaoise. House private please.

May she rest in peace.

Watch funeral Mass HERE.

John Blanchfield - Wolfhill

The death occurred of John Blanchfield, Modubeagh, Wolfhill,  formerly of Pacifica, San Francisco on April 5th, following a short illness, at St James’s Hospital, Dublin.

Predeceased by his parents Ray and Jenny and his sister Jane.

Sadly missed by his wife Angie, son Kyle and his wife Erica, stepchildren Debbie and Allen and his adored granddaughters Kylie, Kaelani and Kiera.

Deeply loved by his sister Bernadette, brother James, brother-in-law Michael, sister-in-law Siani, Aunt Rose, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends.

Reposing at Rigney's Funeral Home, Athy (R14 TX26) on Friday evening (April 17th) from 6pm until the conclusion of the Rosary at 8pm. Removal on Saturday morning (April 18th) to arrive at St. Mary's Church, Wolfhill for Requiem Mass at 12 noon see link http://www.facebook.com/ballyadamsparish

Burial afterwards in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Ballyadams.

May John Rest in Peace.

Betty Burke - Mountmellick

The death has occurred of Elizabeth Anne (Betty) Burke (née Hanlon), Kilshanvy, Kilconly, Tuam, Co Galway and formerly of O'Moore Street, Mountmellick, Co Laois on Wednesday, April 15 peacefully, following a long illness bravely borne, at Galway Hospice.

Betty was formerly a national school teacher in Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo.

Predeceased by her parents, William and Ann Hanlon and her brother-in-law, Michael Christle.

Sadly missed and very fondly remembered by her husband Padraic, sons Liam (partner Larrisa) and Martin (wife Sanja), daughters Lisa (husband Paul) and Julie (husband Richie), brothers Gerry (wife Angela) and Vincent, sister Bernadette, adored grandchildren; Lucy, Hugh, Noah, Faye, Saoirse, Oisin and Sophie, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of close friends.

Reposing at Kilconly Community Centre, Tuam on Friday the 17th of April from 5pm to 8pm. Removal afterwards to her home in Kilshanvy. Requiem Mass on Saturday the 18th of April at 12 noon in St. Conleth’s Church, Kilconly, Tuam. Burial afterwards in Kilconly Cemetery.

If you wish to offer condolences to the family of Betty you can do so in the condolence section below.

Family flowers only. Donations if desired to Galway Hospice https://galwayhospice.ie/donate/

May Her Gentle Soul Rest In Peace.

Joseph Dowling - Portlaoise

The death has occurred of Joseph (Joe) Dowling, The Forge, Ardamine, Courtown, Wexford / Gorey, Wexford / Waterford City, Waterford / Portlaoise, Laois, on April 14 at St Vincent's Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Beloved husband of Rosaleen and loving father of Brian, Alan and Ian, brother of the late Judy. Will be very sadly missed by his wife, sons, grandchildren, Lee, Simon, Jake, Joe, Abbie, Gary, Conor, Brónagh and Cíalan, daughters-in-law Anne and Sharon, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Reposing at Murphy's Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey (Y25 K122) on Friday 17th April from 5 pm until 7 pm.

Removal from Murphy's Funeral Home on Saturday, 18th April at 12.30 p.m. to Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Riverchapel, for Funeral Mass at 1 p.m followed by Burial in Ardamine Cemetery.

Strictly family, flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to the Dublin/Wicklow Mountain Rescue.

House strictly private. Rest in Peace.

Teresa Kelly - Durrow / Abbeyleix

The death has occurred of Teresa Kelly (née O' Keeffe), Hillview House, Derry Road, Durrow and formerly of Portlaoise Road, Abbeyleix, died unexpectedly but peacefully at Brookhaven Nursing Home, Ballyragget.

Beloved wife of her recently deceased husband John. Predeceased by her parents, Edward and Maisie and her brothers and sisters. Deeply regretted by her loving sons Ian and Billy, daughters-in-law Denise and Noeline, her adored and cherished grandchildren Leah, Shannon, Lucy, Jack, Robin and Alex, her brothers John and Eddie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, neighbours, relatives and a large circle of friends. "May Teresa Rest In Peace "

Teresa will repose at Ian and Denise's home (R32T2WO), Derry Road, Durrow, on Thursday, 16th April from 3 pm with funeral prayers at 7pm. Removal from their home on Friday morning 17th April, arriving at Holy Trinity Church Durrow(R32CK11) for Requiem Mass at 11am, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. House private on Friday morning please.

Teresa's funeral Mass can be viewed live by clicking on the link https://www.youtube.com/@golivestream-mc2bo

Ann Williams - Rathdowney

The death took place on April 7, 2026 of Ann Williams (née Whelan), Burnham on Crouch, Essex, UK and formerly of Harristown, Rathdowney, Laois.

It is with profound sadness Ann's family share the news of her passing which occurred on the 7th of April, 2026 following a long illness, bravely borne. Ann passed away peacefully surrounded by her heartbroken children and under the compassionate care of the staff at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford. Predeceased by her loving husband Keith and parents Jer and Ann.

Ann will be forever loved and deeply missed by her adoring children Catherine, Morgan, Jennifer and her grandchildren Ripley and Isabella. Also deeply mourned by her loving sisters Mary, Sheila, Susan, Lily, Brigid and Teresa her brothers Donal and Joe and her extended family. Also missed by her wide circle of kind and loyal friends both in Ireland and in the Burnham community.

She will repose at Paul J King Funeral Directors, Burnham-On-Crouch on April 21st. Requiem Mass will be celebrated by her dear friend Fr. Jerold on the 22nd of April at 11am in St. Cuthbert's Church Burnham, followed by cremation at Maldon Fields Crematorium at 12.30pm.

Donations if desired to Kidney Research UK.