RIP: Three Tipperary brothers share heartbreaking tribute to their late sister

The brothers of Ella Lambe have penned an obituary to their late sister.

A Templemore native, Ella passed away on June 3 in Roscrea.

In their obituary, Ned, Jimmy, and Fr Tony Lambe said: “Ella Lambe, of Richmond, Templemore, passed to her eternal reward on Tuesday, June 3, at Mount Carmel Nursing Home, Abbey Street, Roscrea. Ella was the oldest in the family of Jimmy and Nellie Lambe, who have both predeceased her.

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“She was the trailblazer for her brothers Ned, Jimmy, and Tony. Being the only girl in the family, she was special to our parents and to us her brothers. It is hard to find words that do justice to a life so full of strength, kindness and purpose.

“Qualifying as a National School Teacher at Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick, Ella began her teaching career at St Joseph’s Irish Sisters of Charity, Kilkenny City, and then attracted to her friends in the Capital City, she transferred to King’s Inn St, Dublin.

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“She had a vibrant life in Dublin, and attended UCD by night, to broaden her horizon. With the unexpected and sudden death of her Dad, Jimmy Lambe, in 1963, Ella returned to support her mother in Templemore, and took a position as assistant teacher to Mr Ailbe Allen, in Drom National School. She had a very happy time with a vibrant community in Drom.

“Ella transferred to Scoil Columchile at Templemore CBS, and became a member of a wonderful staff under the principal Michael Meagher. Thanks to all staff and former staff members who formed a guard of honour for Ella as they accompanied her to the Church of the Sacred Heart.

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“Ella loved her profession as a teacher, and was very considerate in nurturing the best interests of her students. Ella was a teacher not just as a profession but by nature, she loved her job and took great interest in her pupils and their development.

“She believed in the power of Education not just to inform minds, but also to uplift the lives of her pupils. She enjoyed teaching first in Dublin and later in Drom and then the Christian Brothers in Templemore.

“Beyond the classroom, she was also our teacher in our family, in our lives. She taught us courage, especially in these last years as she faced illness with unwavering grace. She taught us resilience, meeting each challenge not with complaint, but with quiet dignity, and she taught us love not just in words but also in the countless small acts of care and compassion that defined who she was.

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“She was an outgoing person and was always involved in the local community. She was forever willing to get involved. She gave many years as President of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, in Templemore, and was practical in helping those in need.

“She had two great pastimes, her garden, and golf. She would have been in her element today with all the new planting going on at this time of the year.

“Spring and Summer were her favourite times of the year. She really enjoyed her time playing Golf, served a time as Honorary Secretary of the Club, and was very honoured to be Lady Captain in Templemore Golf Club. She loved nothing better than travelling to Golf matches with her friends and all the fun afterwards.

“Again our thanks as a family for the Guard of Honour to Ella as a member and former Lady Captain of the club.

“She was a great auntie to her nieces and nephews. She never missed a birthday or any celebration such as a First communion Confirmation Weddings etc. Indeed her grandnephews and grandnieces were also equally spoiled and adored by her, and she loved to be kept up to date with all that was going on in their lives such as Education, Sporting activities etc.

“Ella had a special relationship with Fr Tony. She looked after him like a mother and visited him in Drangan almost every weekend. Indeed some thought that she was a Drangan Native.

“The people of Drangan and Cloneen Parish were very close to her heart, and she to their heart. Ella and Tony were very supportive of each other. The last few years have been difficult for Ella as her health has been so poorly. Even as her body grew tired, her spirit remained luminous. She bore her illness with great dignity and resilience, and she did not complain.

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“Ella was always so appreciative of the care and attention she got in Hospital and in Mount Carmel Nursing Home in Roscrea. As a family, we would like to thank the Matron, Doctor, and Nursing Staff of Mount Carmel Nursing Home for the hospitality shown to us when we visited Ella.

“They were so good to us when we visited Ella, and it was so obvious that Ella was happy there and got great care. Ella had a strong faith and trust in God. And while we grieve for her loss deeply, we also celebrate the countless lives she touched and the lessons she left behind.

“We thank God for having Ella as our sister in our lives,” they concluded.