Mrs. Geraldine Roofe

Editorial Department • Published 18 Feb 2010 10:01

The sudden and unexpected death of Geraldine Roofe at the age of 52 years on Sunday 17th January 2010 at the Erne Hospital caused much shock and sadness among all of her family and friends.

Geraldine was born on the 20th July 1957 in Kilroot, Newtownbutler, the youngest of thirteen children born to the late Patrick and Kathleen Donegan. The family moved to Enniskillen in 1961. They lived at Market Lane then at East Bridge Street before finally settling at Drumlin Heights.

Geraldine attended the Convent Primary School and later St Fanchea's Secondary School. On leaving school she commenced employment at FA Wellworths before moving to work for her sister Moira Murphy at Moira's Fashions. She continued her employment at the Desmond's Factory Shop and in recent years she worked in school meals at Holy Trinity Primary School.

In 1983 Geraldine married Tony Roofe. They lived at East Bridge Street, moving to their first home at Brackvede Park after the birth of their daughter Paula in 1988. Their second child a son, Edward was born in 1990. The family moved to their present home at Lawnakilla Park in 2002.

Geraldine was a great homemaker and took great pride in her home. She loved to spend time in the garden and made full use of the gardening tips she picked up from her late father to get the best display from her flowers and shrubs.

Geraldine's greatest passion was her family. She was a devoted and loving wife to Tony, and a wonderful, understanding and caring mother to Paula and Edward. She was so proud as she watched Paula graduate from Queen's University Belfast in July 2009. Her pride grew even more when Edward achieved the grades to study Pharmacy at Queen's.

Geraldine had a great interest in sport and was a regular spectator as Edward came through the youth ranks at both the Enniskillen Gaels and Enniskillen Rugby Clubs. She was also present when Edward was a member of the St Mary's Silver Band, Tempo who won the South of Ireland Band Championships in Clonakilty, Co Cork in July 2008.

She was a devoted daughter to her late parents, and lovingly helped to care for them in their later years. Geraldine loved to spend time with her brothers and sisters and had spent an enjoyable break with her sisters in Lourdes in 2008. She enjoyed family get-togethers and her hearty laugh could be heard when stories about the old days in Newtown were being told.

It was a great comfort to Geraldine that her sister Bridie (Sr Carmel) had travelled from Pretoria, South Africa to be with her. The family were also grateful that Geraldine's nephew Fr Gary Donegan was there to receive Geraldine's remains into her home and to pray with them in their time of need.

Geraldine enjoyed good company and was a true and loyal friend to many. She looked forward to her shopping trips and nights out with her good friends Margaret O'Hara and Catherine McGowan. Their kindness to Geraldine will never be forgotten.

Geraldine was predeceased by her father Patrick in 2003 and her mother Kathleen in 2005. She is survived by her husband Tony, daughter Paula, son Edward, her brothers Michael, Joseph, Brian, Martin, Desmond and Seamus, her sisters Helen, Anna, Moira, Margaret, Bridie and Gay, brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews.

Geraldine had great faith and her funeral mass was concelebrated by Fr McGahan, Fr Donegan, Fr Conway, Fr McKiernan, Fr Darcy and Canon McQuaid. She was buried at Cross Cemetery and the funeral arrangements were carried out by Enda Love Funeral Director, Enniskillen.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 18 Feb 10

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