Tipperary community to remember a woman who made the Premier County her home

The contribution to the community by a couple who made Nenagh their home will be recalled this coming Sunday when a memorial service is held in St Mary's Church.

People will gather to celebrate the life of Raela Croft, who died last September at the age of 82.

The service will take place at at 11am on January 15 for the woman who was affectionately known to her friends as Rae. And her family has issued an invitation to everyone in the community to attend.

Rae and her late husband Dennis retired to Nenagh from south London just over 20 years ago and quickly became an extremely popular couple in their adopted town.

Before coming to Nenagh, Rae was a headteacher in a primary school in Woolwich, south London, where she led a team who supported children from a multitude of backgrounds and languages.

She and Dennis were married for almost 50 years and Rae's life changed dramatically when Dennis died in 2016.

The couple were members of the Church of Ireland and they both relished the friendships they enjoyed with members of St Mary’s Church, Rae using her great skills in needlework and knitting for the benefit of the church.

Some time after Dennis died, Rae moved to the Sue Ryder home at Streame, where, according to her family, Rae was “looked after fantastically” by Dr Muiris O’Keefe, Isabel Treacy, the staff at Sue Ryder House, the HSE’s home support team, staff at Nenagh Hospital and Nenagh Manor Nursing Home.

Rae, who died peacefully at Nenagh Manor Nursing Home last September 19, was a well read, wise and generous person and friend who always made time for others. Chats at her kitchen table often became thought provoking conversations.

During their two decades in Nenagh both Rae and Dennis immersed themselves in community life, supporting the redevelopment of the Scout Hall, new facilities at St Mary’s Junior school on Church Road, joining the Church of Ireland choir and being key participants in the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church.

In retirement Rae furthered her passion as a gardener, using much of her own produce in home cooking and jam making. Rae and Dennis looked after several rescued dogs and Rae, who was a prolific knitter, lovingly producing hundreds of woolly hats for children in Africa.

Rae enjoyed her time at the local Sue Ryder home before age and failing health meant she could stay there no longer, prompting a move to Nenagh Manor nursing home.

There was no service for Rae after she died last September because she did not want a funeral. A private cremation ceremony was held, but now the opportunity approaches to celebrate her life at the forthcoming service.

There's no doubt that the life and valued contribution to the community of Dennis will be recalled also at Sunday week's ceremony.

Dennis' name is synonymous with the owl sculpture that stands outside St Mary's National School as he included funds in his will for the eye-catching work of art. He had a great affinity with the school where he used to carry out repair works.

The owl sculpture was crafted from the macrocarpa tree at the front of the school grounds. The tree posed a hazard and had to be felled. However, the trunk was preserved and transformed into the wondrous sculptured creation that is marveled at by locals and visitors alike.

The owls are extremely fitting for a school as they are a symbol of education and wisdom.

After her husband died Rae was among the guests invited to the school to celebrate its achievement in being awarded a Green Flag and to formally unveil the owl sculpture.

Rae is survived by her daughter, Nicky, and her stepdaughter, Wendy.