Tributes to twin Mayo sisters who died within a day of each other
The deaths of two Mayo-born twin sisters within a day of each other in Oxford, England, has devastated communities on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Mary Bridget Lillis (née Gavin) and Bernie Gavin, formerly from Clogher, Hollymount, died on January 23 and January 24, respectively.
Both emigrated to England at a young age.
They are lovingly remembered by the older generation in the parish of Roundfort Robeen and Carras, where their brother Liam lives, and in their adopted Oxford.
Mary B. is survived by her husband John, son Brian, her daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Bernie was unmarried.
On the Roundfort Robeen & Carras Facebook page, the parish priest, Fr. Michael Murphy, has expressed condolences to Liam Gavin and the other relatives of the deceased.
Fr. Murphy wrote: “Our hearts go out to Liam Gavin of Clogher, Hollymount, who has lost his twin sisters Bernie Gavin and Mary B. Lillis (née Gavin) within a day of each other in Oxford, England. Bernie and Mary B. grew up in Clogher and will be known to many of you.
“On behalf of our parish I would like to offer our sympathy and condolence to Mary B.'s husband John, son Brian, daughter Lorraine, grandchildren, and to their brother Liam and all the extended Gavin and Lillis families. May they rest in peace.”
The Oxford Irish Society has extended condolences to Mary B. and Bernie's family as have many members of the Oxford Irish community who knew and loved the popular sisters.
Wrote Nuala Folan: “My sincere condolences to two lovely ladies. I fondly remember them walking up and down Cowley Road together. R.I.P.”
Another Oxford resident Mary Griffin wrote: “RIP Bernie and Mary. Thanks for all the great times we had together playing cards, going to bingo and the seaside."
Despite the fact that they both emigrated many decades ago, the deceased sisters are well and lovingly remembered in Hollymount.
Posting condolences, Seamus and Phyllis Brannick recalled “fond and beautiful memories” of sharing their school years together.
Funeral details for Mary B. and Bernie have yet to be announced.