The funeral of Josephine 'Josie' Ray, who was also known as Joan, has taken place in St Mary of the Rosary Church in Nenagh, where she was remembered as a "woman of remarkable presence" who was a "beacon" of the town.
A murder investigation is under way after Ms Ray was found dead at her home in St Joseph’s Park in Nenagh on Sunday afternoon.
Ahead of the funeral mass Fr Pat Gilbert explained that a white cloth was to be placed over the coffin.
"At her baptism she was clothed in a white robe the outward sign of Christian dignity. This morning members of Josie’s family place the pall on her coffin as an outward sign of our respect for her mortal remains," he said.
Addressing the congregation, Fr Gilbert said they gathered with heavy hearts, "shocked and stunned by the sudden and tragic passing of Josie Ray".
"As we come together to remember and honour her, we also seek comfort and seek solace in the promises of faith."
He urged Ms Ray's daughters Sarah, Frances, Mary and Carmel and other family members and friends in the community to lean on each other and draw support from the bond of shared memories.
"We are stunned, bewildered and heartbroken at the sudden by the sudden and tragic passing of Josie, a woman who brought so much light, laughter and love into the lives of everyone she touched.
"Our hearts ache and our minds struggle to comprehend the loss of someone so vibrant, so full of life and spirit."
Fr Gilbert said Josie wore her religion and her faith, which she cherished close to her heart, with her holy bracelets, medals and rosary.
"Josie Ray was a woman of remarkable presence well known throughout Nenagh, especially in St Joseph's Park.
"Her glamourous style, her blonde hair that was as much a part of her identity as her radiant smile made her a beacon in this town and community.
"Walking through the streets often with her beloved daughters at her side, Josie would stop to chat, her wit and warmth drawing people in like a magnet," Fr Gilbert said.
He added: "Josie was lively, likeable, utterly loveable, a true character who left an indelible mark on everyone she met."
Throughout the sermon, Fr Gilbert described Josie as someone who had a great heart and always had time for people, making those around her feel valued and loved.
"She was a great neighbour a true friend and a cornerstone to this close-knit community.
"She was also a woman devoted to family, raising her family with love and care in St Joseph's park. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy and lights of her life.
"The bond she shared with them was unbreakable and the love she had for them was evident in everything she did, she adored them."
Concluding the sermon, Fr Gilbert asked mourners to remember the fullness of Ms Ray’s life, her love of fashion, the joys of life and traditional music.
"Josie embraced life with both hands and she lived it with a vigour and a passion that is truly inspiring."
Delivering an emotional eulogy, Ms Ray’s granddaughter Rosie described her "nanny as a lady who loved her style, always in her glitter and loved her jewellery".
She said her nanny was "some woman for dancing" and would be at any event in town with her daughter Sarah.
"She had a great heart, she always said to me ‘Rosie I’ll never forget you for doing that’, just the little things I would do for her like go to the shops or make her cups of tea, she really appreciated everything."
Rosie told the congregation that in recent times her grandmother had started going to a daycare centre five days a week, she loved it and had made great friends there.
"She had great time for everyone who knew her. She is a park legend and to all that knew her from the park they will always remember her and miss her.
"We will all miss you Josie, you were one of a kind, a true lady, we’ll all love you always. Rest in peace Josie."
