Tributes to Cassie – the ‘Queen of Eskra’

Born Cassie Hackett in 1917, Mrs Kelly was described at her funeral as the ‘Queen of Eskra’. Mourners, including children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, were among those who congregated at the local St Patrick’s Church for the Requiem Mass on Tuesday (16) afternoon.

Mrs Kelly had recalled on many occasions in the past her life growing up as a child without electricity or transport, save for a neighbour’s pony and trap. Among the items carried to the altar at the beginning of the Mass were family photographs, a prayer book and rosary beads representing Mrs Kelly’s faith.

Flowers representing her love of gardening and a pack of cards representing her passion for card-playing and crosses were also carried by her great-grandchildren, representing connections between the generations.

Remarkable

In his homily, the parish priest of Eskra, Canon Noel McGahan, said Mrs Kelly was born on March 18, 1917 and that she had lived to a ‘remarkable age.’

“Cassie lived a long life and worked hard. She said the secret to a long life was to work hard, get plenty of fresh air and say your prayers. This lady was the Queen of Eskra,” he told the congregation.

“She will certainly go down in history. For most of us, we will never know anyone like Cassie who has reached their 105th year. Cassie belonged to a generation who obeyed and prayed. Cassie and her late husband were blessed with a family of 13 and worked so hard to be careful providers for the household, both inside and outside the home.

“Their generation had to be self-sufficient, with fruit and vegetables, poultry and beef to keep food on the table.

“How difficult life was when money was scarce without electricity, no running water, scrubbing the floor, polishing the shoes (and there were plenty of shoes to be polish!), cooking, baking, knitting and sewing.

“Cassie was born the year after the 1916 Rising. What changes this woman had experienced and what experiences she encountered. It was about sheer survival… and Cassie also had grandparents who were victims of the Famine.”

Determined

Canon McGahan went on to describe Mrs Kelly as “a strong and determined character who spoke her mind”, and she was admired for that. He added that Mrs Kelly believed in the importance of the family and family values.

“I recall the great celebration at her 100th birthday. That was a night to remember, and she loved every minute of it. Cassie made sure to be there to celebrate and was so proud to receive greetings from Her Majesty the Queen, but was even happier with the message from the president of Ireland, Michael D Higgins.”

The Mass was con-celebrated by Fr PPJ Gormley SMA, and Fr Michael O’Dwyer, Parish Priest of Errigal Ciaran.