Today we said a bittersweet goodbye to a legend in our family.
Well, she was not related to me at all, but still - I loved Daisy Lee. She was the nearest I had ever had to a mother-in- law. She was Angie's MIL and a wonderful one at that. I borrowed her now and again.
I always remember she came to visit me in hospital after I had had my third (in a row) son.
"Now don't be worrying...I did not have my girl until I had six sons first!" said she. .....Ah sufferin' heart Daisy!
She is unique in this world as the only person who ever has typed The Bible in both Latin and Gaelge (our native Irish Language)
(this is the actual Celtic carriage with the Irish typeface that she used) Isn't it beautiful?
She gave this typewriter to Angie and Ed as she knew they would treasure it. She also typed this up and left it in the typewriter.
She had special carriages she could change on her manual typewriter to do this. Her vintage typewriter was brought into the church today for her service. Angie and Ed keep this special momento at home where it has pride of place. This is a picture of it in the "Wildflower Window" (as imortalised by prize winning Irish writer John McGahern in his bestseller: "Memoir") How appropriate it should come to rest here.
She also typed up the theses of many of our bishops and cardinals and literary talents of Ireland ie: Benedict Kiely ("a perfect gentleman"...according to Daisy) and the wonderful Brendan Behan (Ah...hem!)
When our great writer (but rough diamond) Brendan Behan came into the office, her boss used to send her on an errand 'cos Brendan used profane language and her boss did not want Daisy to hear it! Well, she was just a young lady at the time...
Above: Daisy and her fiance (and future husband): Joe Lee. They got engaged that day.
Well, today I saw - not just her children, but her four DIL's and one SIL in floods of tears at her passing. 'Nuff said?
Daisy was also a talented crafter, cook and a wise old woman who could and did relate to all generations.
A fiesty old bird too......Two years ago she was driving home and was going through green traffic lights when she was side blasted by a getaway car after a bank robbery. The Gardaí (Irish police) were shocked to see that such a "frail" old lady of 85 was the victim in this incident. But sure, Daisy comforted them all of course!
Last year she got a letter in the post from the Gardaí stating "Daisy Bell Lee....You have been awarded two penalty points on your driver's licence for speeding...")
She was delighted! She could not wait to tell all her friends! Done for speeding at 86! She got 2 for doing 70 in a 50 at 86! A Red Hatter if ever there was one.
Well, Daisy love ....your nimble fingers have come to rest and I'm sure the author of The Book is looking after you now.
Bye bye Daisy...Slán abhaile. Grá ...Pam
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