There was a lovely Christian high cross on the cover of the program for Wednesday evening’s Mass of resurrection for Virginia Coffey O’Meara. A strong turnout filled the pews at Holy Angels Parish. The presiding celebrant was Gregory J. O’Meara – one of Virginia’s seven sons.
Words of remembrance were presented by Kevin and Chuck O’Meara. The brothers brought a list of memorable bullet points of life growing up in the strict, Irish household where Virginia was boss.
-Seven boys, 16 years, youngest to oldest. Plus wives, grandchildren and great grandchildren. That’s a big career.
-For evening meals we had a schedule, three regular jobs: rinse the dishes, wipe the table, sweep the kitchen.
-Hair. Mother cut hair for as long as we allowed it without too much fighting. Good and short.
-Mother threw footballs and baseballs in the backyard with all of us and she was good at it. She could throw up a ball and hit it with a bat for fielding practice with no trouble. Good tennis player.
-It was not unusual for all of us to wear the exact same shirt. My mother took comfort that she could tell authorities what the lost boy was wearing.
-Some of the favorite teachings: open the door for a lady, use please and thank you, take off your hat in the house. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
-Sleeping late at our house was never an option. Kitchen closes in five minutes.
-Virginia was a woman of faith and a woman who believed things would work out.
-She was sneaky the way she taught lessons. She always took the opportunity to point out the people in our lives and in the community that were good examples of how to live. This included people from all backgrounds – instilling that success had more to do with living the Golden Rule than status or wealth.
– She taught us to give our time to volunteering and promoted giving to charity.
-Always stressed you can do it. Virginia was encouraging – told those she loved to feel good. She was a life coach and a mentor before you paid for it.
-Put your brother down, you don’t know where he’s been.
-Write letters.
-Daughters in law are always right.
-Respect others, treat them fairly and judge them by merit.
-Poverty does not equate to ignorance and wealth should not be confused with virtue.
Virginia O’Meara’s coffin was draped with the same Irish linen used to share good times at the table with family and friends. “You’ll notice a few spotted shadows on the linen,” said Rev. O’Meara. “That was from some particularly exuberant parties.”
One the back of the program under ‘Final Commendation’ and following the Song of Farewell was a note.
“Our sincere gratitude to all who have taken the time to call, drop by, or join us in this evening’s celebration. Please be assured that you will be in our prayers as well.”
Signed The O’Meara men and all