Nancy Fisher was a lady who lived for her family

The late Nancy Fisher
1929 -- 2016
Nancy Fisher of 41 Fatima Park who died at her home on November 11 was a lady who lived for her family. She loved having them round her like the television and film character created and played by Brendan O’Carroll. Thus she was affectionately called Agnes Browne by the family as her home was much like in the comedy series with family members coming and going every day and Friday was when all gathered, grandchildren and great grandchildren included and not a seat was to be had. She was like the Queen Bee seated in the middle of them, passing out treats to the children behind their parents backs.
One of nine children of Alfred and Alice Crilly, Nancy grew up in Casey’s Place Saint Nicholas Avenue. She was a teenage bride, taking as her husband Thomas ( Tom Fisher) who lived just three doors down the street. Two of Tom’s sisters also married partners from the neighbourhood. He was a talented soccer player who played with the renowned Saint Joseph’s junior club and also turned out for Dundalk
Nancy was 15 when the couple married. They went to live in Marian Park before moving the short distance to Fatima. They had their first child when Nancy was 22 and settled in Fatima, residing there for practically 60 years and raised their seven children, five sons and two daughters.Nancy worked in McCanns Fruit on the Ramparts who have underwent a number of name changes since, and also later as a home help.
But her life was her family. Simple in her outlook and needs, she was quiet by nature and was an absolute lady who wouldn’t say boo to a goose nor talk ill about anybody. Husband Tom who predeceased her 22 years ago worked as a caretaker in the local army barracks. He also acted as a steward at games in Oriel Park.
In latter years Nancy attended a number of local senior citizens clubs which she enjoyed. She was a member of the choir in the Saint Gerard’s club attached to Saint Joseph’s Redemptorist Church, and also participated in the Redeemer and Lis na Dara senior citizens club. Restricted mobility in the last two years prevented her from attending the clubs.
She took a turn early in October and her condition worsened days later and was admitted to hospital where she spent over a fortnight before returning to her home where she was happiest among her family. She passed away peacefully surrounded by them.
A void has been left in the family that will never be filled, but Nancy will always remain in their hearts with the fondest and happiest of memories.
Her death is very deeply regretted by her sons, Thomas, Paddy, Larry, Joe and Johnny, daughters Alice and Majella, brothers Ollie (Dublin) and Joe (England), sons and daughters in law, 20 grandchildren, 21 great-granchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, relatives, wonderful neighbours and wide circle of friends.
Nancy reposed at home and was removed to Saint Joseph’s Church, Castletown on the Monday. Requiem Mass was celebrated by Father Vinod who also delivered the eulogy.
At the beginning Kyle Woods, Jenna Mills, Sharon Mills, Deirdre Fisher, Leigha Mills and Alannah Mills brought up gifts that symbolised Nancy’s life, including her mobile phone, spectacles, a picture she painted and photographs of her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her curling thongs
The Readings were given by Nancy’s son-in-law, Raymond Mills and granddaughter, Nadine Fisher.
The Prayers of the Faithful were led by Joshua Reel, Jayden Murray, Kayden Fisher, Evan Laird, Lyndsey Mills and Nicole Fisher.
The Offertory gifts were presented by son-in-law, Mickey Woods and Jonathan Murray. A very eloquent reflection was provided after communion by grandson, Stephen Fisher.The beautiful music was by organist Olivia Finnegan and singer, Philomena Gilmore.Burial took place in Saint Patrick’s cemetery Dowdallshill.
Month’s Mind Mass is on Sunday, December 18 at 12 noon in Saint Joseph’s Church, Castletown.