Mayo tribute: "If every ward in every hospital had a Josie Scott, the world would be a better place"
by Tom Gillespie
WHEN health care assistant, the late Josie Scott, from Derryharriff, Castlebar, encountered a patient who, it was believed, was ‘not the easiest to deal with’, Josie ‘did what came natural to her’.
And some weeks later, after the lady was discharged, the authorities at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, where Josie worked for 20 years, received a letter from the lady, stating: “If every ward in every hospital had a Josie Scott the world would be a better place.”
Such were some of the many tributes paid to Josie (54) in the homily at her funeral Mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar.
In the homily, Maureen Greaney, Josie’s sister, thanked the staff and oncology team at Galway University Hospital for the outstanding care Josie received over the last four-and-a-half years.
In particular, she thanked Dr. Blaskova and her team for providing the very best treatment possible - treatment that allowed Josie to live so well and enjoy life during those years.
She continued: “We also extend our sincere thanks to the staff of Mayo University Hospital and the oncology department there, once again, for the fantastic care given to Josie throughout her journey.
“To Mayo Hospice, it is truly hard to find the words to describe just how amazing the staff are. You are very special people, every single one of you. The compassion, dignity, and kindness you showed Josie and our family will never be forgotten.
“To our neighbours and friends, what you have done for us over the past few days is something we will never forget. You kept us fed at a time when eating is something you simply forget to do. You laughed and cried with us, and you brought us comfort when we needed it most.
“To Josie’s colleagues and friends in Mayo University Hospital, whom she absolutely adored, thank you for the love and support you showed her over the years.
“One thing is certain, Josie had many, many friends. Friends from years back, friends from work, and friends she met along the way.
"One very special friendship that came through work was with Caroline Brown. Caroline was Josie’s best friend and once her manager, though I don’t know how anyone could ever manage Josie. She was never one to follow rules.”
Josie, Maureen said, was born in 1971 and grew up in Castlebar, one of a family of eight. She did bar work in her earlier years and worked in Pádraic McHale’s Menswear before beginning her career in Mayo University Hospital.
Maureen continued: “Josie worked for over 20 years in MUH, where she truly found her calling in helping others.
"Over the past few days, we have heard countless stories of how she went above and beyond for patients and families, but this was never anything remarkable to Josie. She simply did what came naturally to her. She never sought recognition and would never speak of these things herself.
“One story that really stood out was shared recently. A lady who was known to staff as being, let’s say, not the easiest to deal with, had the pleasure of meeting Josie during her stay. There were concerns that she might not appreciate Josie’s mischievous side. After a few days, the lady was discharged.
“Weeks later, the hospital received a letter from her, stating that if every ward in every hospital had a Josie Scott, the world would be a better place. She wrote that the compassion and empathy shown by Josie were exceptional, unlike anything she had ever experienced. This story says everything about who Josie was.
“In 2021, following her diagnosis, Josie was no longer able to work, and this was a massive blow to her. Originally told she had only weeks to live, Josie had other plans. She was going to start living. Her treatment caused very few side effects, allowing her to enjoy life again. She began working in the Bungalow Bar, loved the interaction, and it gave her a new lease of life.
“Unfortunately, last March things changed, and Josie’s treatment was no longer working. Still, she continued the fight. She started new treatment and gave it everything she had. Christmas was very tough for her, yet not once did she complain. She fought with every ounce of strength she had and simply refused to give in.
“Her final week in the hospice was spent surrounded by family and friends, still cracking jokes and never losing her quick wit.”
The group Trilogy - Caroline Cresham, Sara Lyons and Michael Holster - provided the musical and vocal accompaniment during the ceremony.
At the end of the Requiem Mass, which was celebrated by Fr. Shane Costello, Josie’s sister-in-law, Órna Scott, delivered the following tribute:
Ted
In her world everything was ‘Ted’
Her laughter chased away all dread,
Names were loose, love ran deep,
She gathered hearts she choose to keep.
Through hospital wards she’d stroll along,
With laughing eyes and jokes full-strong,
Before you knew it, pain felt less,
She healed with humour - pure and blessed.
She laughed out loud, she laughed at you,
Turned grey days bright with something true.
The odd drink here, a cheeky smoke,
Life tasted better with her jokes.
For over four long years she fought and fought,
With strength and grace that can’t be taught.
Though sickness tried to steal her cheer,
She faced each day without a fear.
Her laughter stayed, her spirit bright,
A shining star through darkest night.
She’d meet the world with ‘Howya Ted’?
Before you’d even left your bed.
No matter what troubles were in view,
She’d back you hard, and bet on you too.
Back home she’d go when days were done,
To her little cabin, just her one.
Small in size, but rich in cheer,
Still holding echoes of her here.
We hope up there you’ve got a bet on a horse for us,
One with the highest odds, causing quite a fuss.
Cheering it home with your cheeky laugh and drink,
Picking the winner faster than we can blink.
We imagine your grin as it crosses the line,
Knowing, somehow, that victory feels just fine.
So dearly missed, she’ll never be forgotten,
Her laughter, her love, her spirit unbroken.
Forever in our hearts, our joy, our thread,
Always, always, our Ted.
Josie was predeceased by her parents Tommie and Breege, her aunt Mae and nephew Adam.
She is survived by her family Breda Mayock, Tom, Annette Clarke, John, Peter, Mark and Maureen Greaney, brothers-in-law Michael, Pat and Darren, sisters-in-law Sarah, Órna and Louise, nephews, nieces, extended family and many friends.
Following Requiem Mass, burial took place in Castlebar New Cemetery. A guard of honour was formed outside the church by her colleagues from Mayo University Hospital.
Following the burial the family and friends retired to Rocky’s and as if through spiritual intervention, all present, in memory of Ted, backed a horse named ‘Broadway Ted’ which won in a photo finish at 18 to 1.