Cloughcor school mourns ‘modest and gentle’ Rosaleen

THERE was immense sadness in St Mary’s Primary School in Cloughcor this week as one of their most cherished members of staff was laid to rest.

Rosaleen Duffy (nee Quigley) was a stalwart at the school where she has worked for the last 18 years as a special needs assistant.

Principal Andrea Devine said staff are ‘numb’ following Rosaleen’s death.

“Rosaleen’s passing marks an incredibly sad day for Cloughcor,” she explained. “We are all devastated by her parting. She touched the lives of so many and did so effortlessly. We are very privileged to have had her as a member of our staff and as a friend.”

Describing the impact Rosaleen had on both pupils and staff during her tenure, Ms Devine praised Rosaleen both as a person and as an assistant, describing a dedicated yet modest soul and suggesting Rosaleen would have made a wonderful educator.

“Rosaleen was always polite, well -mannered and got on with her work quietly, always willing to help and support the pupils, teachers and all our staff community. Her artistic and creative talents were just endless.

“A modest and gentle person, she never wanted to be centre stage. However, Rosaleen really missed her calling and should have been a teacher as her talents, gentle nature, the compassion she had for the children in her care and her work ethic would have certainly stood her in good stead for such a career,” she continued.

“I passionately believe you will never in your lifetime meet a more caring, genuine, devoted, unassuming soul and we will all miss her dearly.”

Rosaleen is survived by her husband Charlie, children Barry and Carol, brother Barry and sisters Kathleen and Margaret. The family have asked for donations in lieu of flowers to Target Ovarian Cancer.