Sadness over passing of well-respected rector, Rev Marie

Deep sadness has descended on the community of Nenagh and surrounding areas following the death of Reverend Marie Rowley-Brooke, the former Church of Ireland Rector in Nenagh.

Reverend Rowley-Brooke passed away peacefully on Friday last, September 18th, in the tender care of the staff of Milford Hospice following a long illness that she bore with fortitude, and often good humour.

While serving as rector she lived with her husband Patrick in the rector's house beside Saint Mary's Church of Ireland at Church Road, Nenagh. After she retired they moved to Holly Cottage at Latteragh.

 

SYMPATHIES EXTENDED TO FAMILY

Many people from the community have posted messages on social media expressing their regret and sadness at her passing.

Nenagh Community Training Centre (CTC) said it was with much sadness it learned of Reverend Rowley-Brooke's death.

It pointed out that she was a former member of its Board of Management, of which her husband is the current Chairperson.

Nenagh CTC added: "Marie was the former Rector of Saint Mary's Church of Ireland in Nenagh and a beloved well-respected figure throughout the town. The staff, learners and Board of Management at Nenagh Community Training Centre extend our heartfelt sympathies to our dear friend Patrick and his children at this time."

The local Catholic Church community on its Facebook page, Nenagh Parish, said it was "with a world of sadness" that it had learned of Reverend Rowley-Brooke's passing.

They described her as a "wonderful" person, before adding: "For ten years Marie battled illness with unwavering courage and dignity. We in Nenagh Parish will remember Marie with enormous fondness and a smile. We will find a way to honour her when the time is right. On behalf of all parishoners of Nenagh, we extend our deepest sympathy to her loving husband Patrick and her family. May Marie's gentle soul Rest in Peace."

 

A WONDERFUL FRIEND

The former Rector in Cloughjordan, Reverend Stephen Neill, described her as a wonderful friend, neighbour and colleague. He said she was "a wise counsel and a fearsome ally to have on your side."

"She knew her own mind and achieved so much through her indomitable spirit and passion. She was also a warm, generous and compassionate person who had a heart for those who were marginalished and cast aside.

"She was not afraid to speak the truth to power and had an integrity that was respected throughout the community of Nenagh and its environs among people of all shades and opinions."

Reverend Neill concluded by stating that the community had lost a very special person in Marie.

Reverend Rowley-Brooke's husband Patrick, announcing her death on her Facebook page, said she had passed away at 5.30am on Friday while he was holding her hand.

He wrote: "She finally succumbed to the cancer that has been with her for the past ten years. Her end was very peaceful and such a tribute to the wonderful care she received at Milford Hospice."

Reverend Rowley-Brooke will be deeply missed by her husband and cherished family of Myles, Cassa, Naoise, Nicola, Roisin and Darren and her beloved grandchildren Mia, Roisin grace and Caitlin.

Due to current government regulations regarding Covid-19 a private family funeral was announced.

The family would like to thank you for your consideration and understanding at this time.