Tributes pour in for 'remarkable' Waterford lady and principal following her passing

Tributes have pouring in for Helen Forde-O'Donnell of Tallow, Co. Waterford following her passing on March 8, 2025, peacefully, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Helen is remembered by friends, family, colleagues and parents of the children she taught and impacted as a teacher and as a principal.

Messages of condolence and tributes have left on Helen's rip.ie page by people who knew her over the course of her life.

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One person said: "She was truly a remarkable lady, whose kindness, wisdom and dedication left an indelible mark. She not only imparted knowledge but also inspired students to reach for their dreams. Rest in Peace Helen."

A former classmate said said: "I was in her class in Mary I and my wife worked with her on the Misneach programme. We have met numerous times one the years through IPPN . She was always the loveliest and most sincere person"

Another person said: "We are so grateful and forever thankful for having had the privilege of meeting Helen , her big smile and the kindness she showed us, we will cherish those memories."

A parent from Helen's former school said: "She was principal in St John’s school when my daughter Hannah attended. She was always to kind, supportive and helpful. She was such a beautiful person, and always smiling."

Helen is remembered as the loving daughter of the late John and Mary, sister of the late Richard, (Former Principal of St. John’s Special School, Dungarvan).

She is lovingly remembered by her loving husband Hugh, daughter Liz and her partner Jamie Davis, sisters Mary and Liz, brothers-in-law Micheál Murphy, Sean and Seamus O’Donnell, niece Hannah, nephew John, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of close friends.

Lying in repose at Aidan Walsh & Sons Funeral Home, Tallow on Monday evening March 10, 2025 from 5.00pm to 7.00pm, followed by removal to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tallow.