Athlone mourns passing of two prominent local teachers

The deaths have been announced of two hugely popular local teachers, who influenced hundreds of students over their careers.

Mary Higgins and John King were both prominent local teachers who had worked for many years in Coláiste Chiáráin/St. Joseph’s College Summerhill and Marist College respectively.

Mary Higgins (née Hand), Barrymore, Kiltoom, Athlone, passed away on September 4 , peacefully, after a brief illness, bravely borne, in the loving care of the staff of Mayo-Roscommon Hospice and her family.

She had taught for many years at at Coláiste Chiáráin/St. Joseph’s College Summerhill and Convent of Mercy, Granard. Her death notice said she had inspired, informed and influenced generations of young students.

Beloved wife of Eamonn and adoring mother of Cian, Eavan and son-in- law Shane, Mary is pre-deceased by her parents, Michael and Teresa Hand (Ardmullen) and her brother, Det. Gda Frank Hand (Lucan).

Sadly missed by her sisters, Teresa Hand-Campbell (The Glebe, Kiltoom) and Breda Hand (Fardrum, Athlone), her brothers Michael Hand (Rathfarnham), John Hand (Navan) and Eugene Hand (Brideswell), sisters-in law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and a wide circle of friends and colleagues.

The late Mary Higgins is lying in repose at her home in Barrymore, today, Wednesday from 4pm-8pm. Requiem Mass on Thursday at 11am at the Church of the Risen Christ, Ballybay. Burial afterwards at Kiltoom Cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Mayo-Roscommon Hospice.

Meanwhile, the death has also occurred of John King, Retreat Park, Athlone, peacefully on Tuesday, September 5.

John, a retired teacher of Marist College, Athlone, and formerly of Tuam, Co. Galway, was predeceased by his parents Mary and William and his brothers Paddy and Billy. Sadly missed by his loving wife Margaret, daughters Aisling (McKiernan) and Aoife, son-in-law Enda, brothers Tommy, Pete, Anthony and Timmy, sister Mary (Kennedy), grandchildren Tadhg, Moya and Páidí, nephews, nieces, in-laws, relatives, neighbours, former colleagues and friends.

Reposing at his daughter Aisling's residence (Creaghduff, Coosan) on Thursday from 2pm with removal at 7.30pm to Our Lady's Queen of Peace Church, Coosan arriving at 7.45pm. Requiem Mass on Friday at 12 noon followed by burial afterwards in Coosan Cemetery.

Family flowers only please, donations, if desired, in lieu to the Irish Cancer Society.

Those wishing to stream the funeral mass can do so on https://www.churchservices.tv/coosan