A school in Co Donegal has led tributes following the sudden death of a beloved young teacher whose “kind heart, beautiful smile and generous nature touched the lives of so many.”
Róisín McKelvey, from Terhillion in Termon, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday 16 July at the age of just 29, reports The Mirror.
Her family announced the tragic news in a notice shared on RIP.ie as they paid tribute to Róisín, who has been remembered as “a truly special young woman.”
“The death has occurred of: Róisín McKelvey, Terhillion, Termon (formally Cummeen, Doochary) unexpectedly, on 16 of July, aged 29,” the death notice read, reports The Mirror.
“Beloved and cherished daughter of Neil and Eileen, dearly loved sister of Brendan and Megan, fondly valued sister-in-law of Cathal, adored aunt of Hannah, and much-loved granddaughter of Máire McGill.
“Heartbreakingly missed and forever loved by her family, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, neighbours and her many dear friends.
“Róisín was a truly special young woman whose kind heart, beautiful smile and generous nature touched the lives of so many. She will be remembered with immense love and affection by all who had the privilege of knowing her,” reports The Mirror.
Róisín worked as a teacher at Scoil Colmcille, a boys’ primary school in Letterkenny, where she made a deep impression on her pupils and colleagues.
The school paid tribute to the popular educator in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that the Board of Management, staff, pupils and the entire Scoil Cholmcille community have learned of the passing of our much-loved colleague, Miss Róisín McKelvey.
“At this time of immense loss, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends and all who knew and loved her. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.
“May her gentle soul rest in peace,” reports The Mirror.
A number of Róisín’s former pupils shared their own tributes, with one writing: “I would like to send my dearest condolences to Ms McKelvey’s family. Ms McKelvey was my senior infants and first class teacher and I’ve learned so many things from her. She was an incredible teacher and she was my favourite and always had a smile on her face. She had the biggest impact on me in primary school and she will be missed dearly,” reports The Mirror.
Another said: “I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Ms McKelvey’s family. Ms McKelvey was my first teacher, she was also my favourite teacher and I will always remember her kindness and the happy memories she gave me. Thank you for everything. Rest in peace. Thinking of all her family and loved ones at this very sad time.”
While a third added: “I wanted to offer my condolences to you and family during this time. Ms McKelvey was a very special and wonderful teacher to me, she made such a positive impact on my life. I will always cherish the memories we made together. My condolences,” reports The Mirror.
Róisín, who graduated from the Marino Institute of Education, began her teaching career at Rutland National School in Dublin city centre, with a number of her former colleagues recalling the joy she brought to the classroom and the lasting impact she had on her pupils.
“Deepest condolences to the McKelvey family on the passing of Roisin. I had the pleasure of working with Roisin in Rutland NS. Roisin was a very talented teacher whom the children loved so very much. May Roisin rest in eternal peace,” one person said, reports The Mirror.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
