Mayo communities in mourning over passing of 'true lady' Josephine Hall
Fond tributes are being paid to Josephine Hall (née Lawless), Ballyvary, Castlebar, whose passing has evoked feelings of immense loss and sorrow across the county.
She died in the care of the staff of Galway Clinic, surrounded by her loving family.
A member of a widely known and respected family, she was a much-loved member of the staff of Carramore National School, Swinford.
In a tribute, the school stated: "Josephine was our treasured SNA, a role in which she touched so many lives with her kindness, patience and understanding.
"She will always be remembered for her boundless energy, her quick wit and her great sense of humour.
"Josephine left a lasting impression on everyone she met and she will be greatly missed by the entire school community.
"Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with her family and friends at this difficult time."
She was a former member of the executive committee at Moy Davitts GAA Club.
In a tribute, the club stated: "Josephine was a past member of our club executive, serving as treasurer, and senior team FLO for many years.
"She was a tremendous supporter of our club, hardly ever missing a match and if she did, regular score updates were sent to her phone.
"She had a great sense of humour and her quick wit was always on hand. She will be greatly missed."
A tribute by Manulla Football Club said: "Josephine was a true lady, who always tried to make a difference no matter what she did.
"In an instant Josephine would help out in any way that she could; she loved the chats and always had meaningful conversations with everyone, offering her words of positivity and encouragement along with her friendly smile.
"Josephine will be truly missed by so many and she will always be in our thoughts."
Many other tributes are being paid to her across social media.
Predeceased by her parents Tony and Bridie Lawless, Josephine is sadly missed by her heartbroken family: husband PJ, son Kieran, daughters Nicola, Sandra and Tracey, sisters Pauline (McEllin) and Geraldine (Doherty), brothers Danny, Tony and Kieran, daughter-in-law Sandy, sons-in-law Sean and David, grandchildren Jack, Caoimhe, Bethany and Jamie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, family and friends and the staff and pupils of Carramore National School.
Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family on their loss.
Josephine's Funeral Mass takes place today (Sunday) at 1.30 p.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph's Church, Bohola, with burial afterwards in Bohola cemetery.
May her gentle soul rest in peace.