Counsellor Eleanor lived for her family
THE RECENT DEATH of Eleanor Sutherland (56) of Redshire Road, Murrintown has deeply saddened her family, friends and colleagues at Aiseiri where she worked as a counsellor.
Eleanor (nee O'driscoll) died on December 30 at her daughter Colette's home, surrounded by her family, following a four-month illness.
She is survived by her beloved husband Michael; her daughters Colette, Margaret and Mary; her sons Colin, John, Michael and Ciaran; her grandchildren James, Luke, Eleanor, Saoirse, Sarah, Caoimhe, Mae, Arann, Leah and Kyle.
She is also survived by her brothers Kevin, Con, Michael, Sean and Donal; her sisters Evelyn, Ann and Mairead; her sons-in-law; daughters-in-law and extended family and friends.
Eleanor was predeceased by her much-loved grandson Liam who died three years ago at the age of two.
Born in Dunmanway, West Cork, Eleanor grew up in Clohane, County Kerry on the Dingle Peninsula, a place she continued to love throughout her life.
She spent many happy days there as a child, playing with her best friend Gerard Concannon.
Her favourite haunt was Mr.s Mahoney's shop in the village where she could often be found perched on a high stool behind the counter.
Family was always number one to Eleanor. She met Michael when she was 16 while working in Moran's Cafe in Wexford town after her mother Mary (nee Doyle) of Kitestown, Crossabeg came back to live in Tomhaggard.
Apart from a few years when Michael's job brought them to Portlaoise, the couple lived all their lives together in Wexford town, Piercestown and then Murrintown.
Though she worked at many jobs during her life, it was at mothering that Eleanor really excelled.
Her life revolved around her family. The house on the Redshire Road was full of laughter and fun with Eleanor at the helm, cooking, baking and feeding whoever happened to pop by. She had a special relationship with each of her children and supported them in their chosen paths and pastimes. The last few months of her illness were challenging for her family but she was incredibly proud of how they all pulled together. She had a brilliant sense of humour that turned what could have been a difficult time into an enjoyable few months that will provide lasting memories for them all.
In more recent times, Eleanor was blessed by the arrival of 11 grandchildren who provided plenty of entertainment and love for their Granny Suds. It is comforting for Colin and the family to know that Eleanor's final resting place is with her beloved grandson Liam. She said he taught her so much in the short time she got to spend with him.
Eleanor juggled family life with studying in later years after she decided to train as a counsellor. She loved her job in Aiseiri, the addiction treatment centre in Rocklands which was represented at her funeral by staff and clients who travelled from far and wide.
Eleanor and Michael ran a shop in Piercestown for many years and got to know many people across the counter.
If Eleanor would like to be remembered for one thing, it was her 'can do' attitude which she passed on to her children.
