Michael O'Shea Obituary

To our Cousins and their families in America

Our Dad writing on Micheals death in 2008 finished with the line for always I am Kerry. Jerome died 10 years later and always talked with such pride of his brother Michael, his wife Frances, his American nieces and their families. He was fiercely proud of his family and his Kerry routes. He, and his wife Margaret, also had and have a great belief and faith in the now St John Paul II, who once said I plead with you - never, ever give up hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid - Noli Timere. Across the world, this Easter time, we are battling Coronavirus. In Ireland tonight we had Shine a Light Night on Easter Saturday in the battle against Coronavirus. Now more than ever we see the importance of family, friendship, loyalty and community.

I will always remember how Dad fondly, and with great admiration, recalled Michaels decision to leave Ireland. He often explained to me, Donal and Conor why he had to do this, and how hard he worked to make it in America in the 1950s.

We fondly remember the OShea Gathering in Caherciveen when you all made the effort to come home in 2012. The photo of the OShea family clan taken at Conors wedding in 2004 was a reprise of the OShea family photo taken outside 2 Newmarket Street, East End in Caherciveen nearly fifty years previously. They are both treasured keepsakes.

Thank you for the opportunity to remember Michael, your mum Frances and all of you during this Easter of 2020. Though you are far away, you are always in our hearts.

Diarmuid and Mary OShea, Dublin, Ireland

Michael O’ Shea’s funeral mass 19th April in St Daniel the Prophet Parish Church, Chicago. Jerome O’Shea.



I am pleased to be invited by the O’Shea family of Chicago to recall some of my thoughts and memories of Michael in his youth in Caherciveen before he emigrated to Chicago some fifty years ago.



Michael was educated by the Christian Brothers in their primary and secondary schools in Caherciveen ,Co. Kerry, Ireland. He was fourth in seniority in the O’Shea family of nine, seven brothers and two sisters .The three oldest of our family were gainfully employed in Ireland and our youngest sister Pat was but five years old when our father died. Michael stepped into the breach to carry on many of his father’s duties and assist in the upbringing of the younger family members at a traumatic time for our mother and family. He took on many tasks on the farm and in the shop in the East End, harvesting, the provision of food, cooperation with neighbours and associations were things he took to with ease.



He was of course a staunch member of the St. Mary’s gaelic football club .Then in 1957 he took the decision to emigrate to Chicago at a time in Ireland when emigration levels were high and the future seemed bleak in Ireland and in the South Kerry region.. Shortly after arriving in Chicago he was lucky to meet his future wife Frances and her extended Morrissey family were a great help to him in adjusting to life far from his homeland. So also were many other Irish relatives and friends who were living in Chicago at that time.



Together Frances and Michael raised a family of seven girls and all are a credit to them Bernadette, Anne Marie, Kathy ,Karen ,Eileen ,Linda and Susan. Last evening some of us were privileged to see the plaque the girls had donated to their parents in the St Daniel the Prophet parish church complex ..The citation read –to our parents for their dedication and commitment to our family. Predeceased by his life’s partner Frances, Michael again faced a situation of which he had some experience in an earlier generation in Ireland in his own family.



As the older brother I will think of Michael as kind , gentle, caring and soft spoken.



I will think of him as a great brother,father, family member and a person with a deep sense of his community.



I will always remember our walk around Reenrusheeen ,Caherciveen on the eve of his leaving for Chicago in 1957 when we discussed his hopes and aspirations for his future in Chicago as we walked past the local GAA sportsfield , the field of the house cow ,the racecourse, looked across at the farm in Clahanelinehan, The Fertha river and its Barry and Railway bridges, Knockdubber, Beenatee, Carraig na gConnaill, and the birthplace of the Liberator Daniel O’Connell and I will recall the words of the local poet Sigerson Clifford ;



Twas thus I lived, skin to skin with the earth

Elbowed by the hills, drenched by the billows

Watching the wild geese making black wedges

By Skelligs far west and Annascaul of the willows

Their voices came on every little wind

Whispering across the half door of my mind

For always I am Kerry.



Finally Michael, Slan Abhaile. Ar dheis De go raibh do anam uasal.



19th April 2008

To all the cousins and their families,

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Uncle Michael's passing and my thoughts are with you all at this time. I really got to know Michael while I was over in Chicago for Thanksgiving in 2003 and was struck by his hospitality, generosity and warm demeanour that immediately made me feel very relaxed and comfortable in his company, as if I'd known him for years. His trips home were always something I looked forward to, and always guaranteed some great nights with the family. He will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him.

To Bernadette, Anne and all the Chicago cousins,

My sincere condolences to you all on the recent passing of your father. Uncle Michael was a true gentleman and I was very glad to have met him on his trips to Ireland and also in Sydney a couple of years ago. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you all.

To the O'Shea girls and families.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all on this sad occasion. May the sod of Chicago soil rest lightly on you Michael. Until we meet again
Slan.
John and Mary O'Shea.
Cahirciveen.

To all the Chicago cousins and their families,

I was so sad to hear of your Dad's passing and my thoughts are with you all. His visits to Ireland were the catalyst for many a fun-filled family reunion, both in our house in Dublin and in Caherciveen. I'll remember him for his ease in company, his quiet humour, his physical echoes of Granny O'Shea, his pride in 'his girls', his fondness for his morning fry-up and his agility on the dance floor while sweeping me around gracefully to 'That's Amore' at Conor and Alex's wedding. He was a true gentleman.

Ní críoch ach athfhás - An end is but another beginning.

Karen

Anne and girls,
My sincere condolences to you all.
I was really shocked to hear about Michael. He was truly a lovely man and like maire (o'neill) he reminded me of granny o'shea. I really enjoyed his trips to Caherciveen and my own house where i think i got to know the kind and loveable man every1 was telling me about.
He will be missed and his voice when i picked up the phone when he called us. A true treasure of a man.

I'll always remember meeting Michael for his first visit to Ireland after he had gone to America. There was great excitement when we all congregated at Shannon airport to welcome him home.I have many fond memories of subsequent visits and of our visit to your home in Chicago where you welcomed us so warmly. Michael had baked a special rhubarb crumble for Jerome and Susan had made a special Jello for me. On one of Michael's visit to Kenmare he went out to see the famous 14th of August fair and brought me back a gift of an angel/fairy reclining reading a book. I will always treasure it. I said at the time that only a man who had lived in a household with 8 girls would have thought of that. Come and visit me and see it. Be strong for each other and stay close that is what Michael and Frances would have wanted. Keep in touch with your Irish cousins.Deepest sympathy.
Margaret O'Shea

To The Chicago Cousins

We were all deeply saddened to hear of Uncle Michael's death. I will treasure all the memories of the American clan visits to Ireland. Be strong for each other. Ye will always be in our thoughts.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Love

Seán, Mary, Seán & Caitlin

Karen,
Our prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Karen,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.

Dear Bernadette & Family -
Deepest condolences to you and your family in light of your father's passing away. May fond memories and love carry you through this difficult time.

Dear Cousins,

We were all so sorry and shocked to hear of Uncle Michael's passing. My mum(Brid) and I have just watched the wonderful tribute of pictures that you put together of Michael's life. He certainly had a full and happy life. We are sorry that we could not be with you in Chicago for Michael's funeral. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

bext regards,
Eleanor, Andrew, Shannon & Rachel ( Power- O'Neill)

To O'Shea Family, Please accept our
deepest sympathy, may God comfort
you all at this sad time. Will pray for
Michael in Caher.

Dear Kathy,
They say that children are a reflection of their parents and if that is true then your dad must have been a great guy to have you for a daughter. My thoughts are with you and your entire family at this time. May all the love and memories you have of your Dad stay forever in your heart. Love and hugs!!
Tim, Cindy, Timmy and Michaela

condolence to the o`shea girls

To our "American Cousins"
Our sincere condolences on Michael's death - the Brother in America - even though so far away he always played a huge part in our lives. Of many memories I remember the excitment particularly in 1984 when the whole clan visited Ireland - and the photo taken of your Dad with all his own sisters and brothers at Conor's wedding 4 years ago - all great memories and I am sure you have many, many more

Our condolences once again - Michael will always be in our memory and in our prayers

Bernadette, Anne, Kathy, Karen, Eileen, Linda & Susan~~Our hearts in Boston are with you all at this sad time. We love you all and you are in our prayers. Love~~ Diane, Tom, Shannon & Kelli

My prayers are with you.

Condolences to the family of Michael O'Shea. My heart goes out to you at this time of trial.

Sincerely,

James Guerin, childhood friend

Dear Karen and O'Shea Family,
So sorry to hear about your dad passing so suddenly. My mom and I are visiting in Cahersiveen at the moment and were shocked to hear the news of your dad. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

Breda Butler Martin and Noreen Butler

Dear Bernadette, Anne, Kathy, Karen, Eileen, Linda and Susan

Uncle Michael was such a kind and gentle person and always reminded me of Granny O' Shea. He will always be in your hearts and in all our prayers.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,
Máire (O' Neill),
Dublin.

Dear O'shea Family,

I knew Mike only for a few years as Pub friends. He deeply impressed me as a fun and good hearted man, and father. Since I'm hard of hearing and Mike spoke with brogue, I had a hard time talking to Mike, but it was always worth the effort. I will miss him.

Joe Mulligan & Family

The O'Shea family,
The many arms of your extended family are thinking and praying for you all at this time. It was a special moment for Alex and I that your father was at our wedding, what seems like yesterday but was four years ago now. I hope you give him a true Kerry send off.

With all our love and prayers

Conor, Alexandra and Isabella

Dear O'Shea Family,

We are sorry to hear of your loss. May God watch over you all and help you through this time of heartache and sorrow. You are all in our prayers.

Scott, Sharon, Matt, Sara, Brian, Megan & Joey Heskin

Bernadette, Anne-Marie, Kathy, Karen, Eileen, Linda and Susan; I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad passing away.

I spent a great fun week with him and you all in Chicago years ago and obviously saw him whenever he was in Ireland. His sense of humour was what I will remember most about him, especially when he vetted dates!

I'll miss him. Thinking of you all at this time.

Padraic

My condolences to your family. My Dad is from Cahersiveen,County Kerry Ireland. Born 1900. Died in '69. We are West side Irish. Presentation Church on Springfield Ave. Near Crawford and Arthington. Mt Dad Married Catherine Moriarity from County Mayo. I worked in Trucking all my life. Salesman. 710 were Road Drivers. 1st time I saw a gentleman in the Tribune from the same County as my Dad. I am 76 living in Plover. Wi. to be near my wifes daughter. My kids are in Wheaton and Naperville. God Bless.

Dear O'Shea family:

Your father was a very loving and humorous man. I've only know him for a short time, but he made a lasting impression on me. He was one of my favorite patients, and he will be surely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

Tiffany Green, DPT
AthletiCo-Garfield Ridge

O'Shea Family,

I'm sorry for your loss. Try to find comfort in each other. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear O'Shea Family
Your father was such a wonderful person, he was our favorite and will be sincerely missed. I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you - I will add Mr. O'Shea to my prayers each night.

Irish Mike,

Lawlors will certainly not be the same without you. It has always been my utmost pleasure to have you in there. You will be missed. Slainte'.

Kathy and Family,
We are so saddened by your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers today and all of the difficult days to follow.
Love, Teri, Brian, Kasey and Kylie Carlson

Dearest Karen and Family:

Your dad was so blessed to have the love and devotion of you, his wonderful daughters, son-in-laws and grandchildren. You in turn were blessed by his love, example, humor and dedication to you, his family.

Our deepest sympathy to you at this very difficult time. God bless you.

Love,
Kathy and Tom

Irish Mike,
You were by far my favorite customer at Lawlors. You were always so happy and a joy to talk to. You always made me smile even if I was having a bad day. It's not going to be the same without you there, we'll miss you!

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Kathy & Tim, I was saddened to hear of your dad's passing. Everytime I had the honor of being around him, he always had a great big smile on his face - this I will always remember. I know he will be missed tremendously by his devoted daughters and their families. Although this is a sad day for you, be happy that he is now with your mom once again, sharing in eternal life. May God bless and keep you today and all days. Love, Liz

To the O"Shea girls,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time.

Fondly, Cathy, Mark, Molly and Bridget

O'Shea Family,

Our hearts were saddened to learn of your father's death. I pray that you all find strength in each other and your faith as you move through the next few days and the continuation of your lives. You are such a wonderful group of people and have been blessed in many ways. Peace be with you all.
Jeanne & Clare

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.