Bredhe Raftery 1933-2007 R.I.P.

We were packing to come home from Spain today (Sun) when I got a call from my father to say my mother had collapsed and had been taken to the hospital. I have received many such calls from him in the past as my mother’s health hasn’t been good for a long time.

About an hour later though, I received another call to say she had died. She had a massive brain hemorrhage. Again. The last one, in 1997, she survived but this one was too much for her.

You suffered for a long time, may you finally rest in peace mum, we loved you and will never forget you.

68 thoughts on “Bredhe Raftery 1933-2007 R.I.P.”

  1. My mother died from her first brain aneurism in 1997. I still have the impulse to reach for the phone and tell her about something she would have liked. I’m sorry for your loss. Soldier on.

  2. Hey Thomas, You don’t know me but my brother is the “Scobleizer”. I just remember when we went through this last year how the blogging community rallied behind him, so I thought I would do the same for you. My prayers are with you and your family.

  3. Thanks for the kind words everyone – they mean a lot.

    Ben, I know Robert well. When he was in Ireland with Maryam in 2005, it was me who invited him over! My wife and I took Maryam and Robert out to dinner and to the theatre. We had a great time together.

  4. Hi Tom,

    I’ve been lurking on this blog for a long time, but never plucked up the courage to contribute before, I suspect there are many more like me. The quality of the content is superb, and I appreciate the effort you put into it. My sincere condolences, and best wishes to you and your family at this time.

    Bonne Chance!
    – Donal

  5. Tom, sorry to hear the sad news. I lost my mother 8 years ago but it still feels like yesterday and I still miss her and occasionally still cry when things occur that remind me of her.

    But out of sight is never out of mind…

  6. I’m so sorry about your mother’s passing.

    My sincere condolences,
    Conor D.

  7. Sorry to hear that Tom. I lost my Da last November, and I know that it hurts. Try to remember the good times, and always think and talk about her.

    Best wishes

    Pete

  8. Tom,
    My sincere condolences. Must be tough…
    Both my parents are quite old (78 and 80), and i find myself getting more and more worried about losing them as time goes by…
    My thoughts go to you and your family!
    /Bo

  9. My condolences to you and your family, Tom.

    When and where is the funeral? As an outsider to Ireland I am always amazed and impressed by the support the Irish community gives on days like this.

  10. Sincere condolences Tom. I lost my Dad in August and the memories are still very raw. I know what you’re going through. May she rest in peace.

  11. So sorry to hear this. An aneurism took my mother in 1998. So long ago but it seems like yesterday.

    Take it one day at a time and be there for each other.

  12. Tom

    My thoughts are with you and hope that the best wishes of many thousands of people who read the sad news goes some way to easing the pain.

  13. Like everyone here Tom my sincere condolences. I’m at the end of the phone if you need a chat or whatever..

    Take care,
    Mark.

  14. My deepest sympathies, Tom. My father passed away nine years ago yesterday. Even when we expect such a loss for years, it finally comes as a shock.

  15. Sorry this happened man, just reading the comments left by your readers and the reaction is great, its nice to see this sense of community,

    Siriquelle

  16. I’m getting this a little late (was offline most of the weekend).

    So sorry to hear this, Tom. Chris and I send you our condolences.

  17. Very sorry to hear about your mum. I know from my own experience how hard it is coming to terms with a loss like this, best wishes for strength and comfort for you and your family.

  18. Your dad is one of that quiet legion of unsung great human beings. We rarely hear about such unassuming, yet great love. Thank you for sharing that. May I offer my condolences.

  19. Tom,

    I was saddened to hear that you mother had passed away. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

    Sean

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