The daughters of Joan Love, the 71-year-old woman who tragically died in a road traffic collision on November 6, have paid tribute to a mother they were immensely proud of.

Patricia and Janet recall a person who was devoted to her four grandchildren and who did anything she could to help those in need. She was also a woman of incredible faith.

Born one of 10 children to Kathleen and Jim Gallagher of Boho Post Office, Joan married Pat Love in 1973 before having her two daughters, who gave her four grandchildren- Conall, Caoimhe, Riley and Cara.

“The children were everything to mummy. She adored them. She had already bought Christmas presents for them.”

Reciprocated

And this love was reciprocated and put into words in a plaque given to her by the children, which Joan proudly displayed in her hall – ‘Things we love about Granny’.

This included: ‘When she picks us up from school and brings us crisps’; ‘When she helps us with our homework even though she makes us write more than we want to’ and ‘When she brings us to the Thatch for a treat’.

A woman that was always ready to give her time and help to others, through AA in particular, she connected with many people: “She could speak to anyone, and people warmed to her, and people really opened up to her. They knew they could trust her.”

Before her retirement, Joan was a vice-principal at Killadeas Special Care school.

“She taught children with Special Educational Needs. She loved her work, and she loved the children she taught and this continued long after she retired. She would always love bumping into her former pupils and their families and hearing how they were getting on.”

Joan also ran the successful Navar Guest House, along with her late husband, Pat.

The family has had sympathy messages from former guests from many years ago.

‘Eternally grateful’

In another message, a friend of Joan said: “Her confidence, trust, and above all, her love for Jesus permeated every aspect of her life especially in the way she cared for other people. What she gained from AA she gave back tenfold to so many she met over the years. I’m eternally grateful to have known Joan, without fear of contradiction she was one of the most important, influential, giving, and witty persons in my life.”

The love and admiration that people had for Joan was also witnessed in the days following her death when people rallied around her family, something her daughters are truly grateful for.

They also wish to convey their thanks to the emergency services; the PSNI and everyone who helped out at the scene of the tragic accident, as well as those who have sent their condolences to the family.

“We are overwhelmed by the numbers of people who came to the house, came to the funeral or sent messages and cards. We would also like to thank the many people who lined the route from Belleek to Boho Chapel and then to Derrygonnelly on the morning of the funeral, as well as those who stood out when Mummy was brought home to Belleek last Monday night”.

“We would like to be able to personally thank them all. It really made a difference to us to see so many people standing out for mummy”.

“There were also so many of our friends and family who gave so much of their time to help us, including cooking for us, making tea for everyone and being there for us in any way needed. We will never forget how much they helped us.”

They also had special thanks for Leeanne McGovern, Damian McGovern Funeral Directors, for her assistance and her care and compassion throughout this difficult time and for Father Cathal Deery, for his support and for the beautiful service in Boho.

Joan will be very sadly missed by her family, her friends, her neighbours in Rathfort Crescent and by so many others whose lives she enhanced. May she rest in peace.

Joan Love (nee Gallagher) was laid to rest on November 10 at St. Patrick’s Church cemetery, Derrygonnelly following funeral mass at Sacred Heart Church, Boho.

Beloved wife of the late Pat and loving mother of Patricia (Andy), Janet (Lorcan).

Loved and cherished grandmother to Conall, Caoimhe, Riley and Cara.

Loving sister to Mary (McGinley), Margaret (O’ Mahoney), Sheila (Flanagan), Eileen (Watters), Eamon, Joseph, Peter and Sean.

Predeceased by her sister, Sr. Monica.

Deeply regretted by her loving family and close friends.