Remembering oliver (Ollie) Johnston: A Life Celebrated
Table of Contents
February 21, 2025
Obituary
Oliver (Ollie) Johnston, a beloved resident of Derrygarve, Newport, Co. Mayo,and formerly of Ballinasloe,co. Galway, passed away peacefully at his home on February 20th, surrounded by his loving family.
A Loving Family Man
Ollie is survived by his devoted wife,Geraldine,and their four sons: Aaron,Dylan,Mark,and Jack. He will be deeply missed by his parents, Tony and Mary, as well as his mother-in-law, Phyllis. his siblings—Anthony, Liam, John Paul, Francis, and Christopher—along with his sister, jennifer, and a host of nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, and friends, will also cherish his memory.
“May Ollie rest in heavenly peace.”
Funeral Arrangements
Ollie’s family invites friends and loved ones to pay their respects at St. Dominick’s Funeral Home in Newport (F28 H862) on Saturday, February 22nd, from 5 PM to 7 PM.
A Requiem Mass will be held on Sunday at 11:30 AM in St. Patrick’s Church, Newport, to honor his life and spirit, followed by burial at Burrishoole Cemetery.
In consideration of the family’s privacy, the house will remain strictly private at all times.
Live Stream and Condolences
For those unable to attend, the funeral mass will be live-streamed on the Burrishoole Parish Facebook page:
Friends and family wishing to express their condolences can do so by clicking on the “Condolences” link below.
Remembering Oliver Johnston: A Discussion on Grief, Remembrance, and Community Support
Time.news sits down with Dr. Eleanor Vance, a leading specialist in grief counseling and community support, to discuss the recent obituary of Oliver (Ollie) Johnston and explore the broader themes of remembrance and coping with loss.
Time.news: Dr. Vance, thank you for joining us. We’re discussing the obituary of Oliver Johnston, a resident of Derrygarve, Newport, who passed away on February 20th.What are your initial thoughts when reading an obituary like this?
Dr. Vance: Firstly, my condolences to the Johnston family. Obituaries are powerful reminders of the lives lived within our communities.This particular write-up highlights the importance of family and community ties. It speaks to a life well-loved and actively engaged. Key phrases indicating this are “beloved resident” and the extensive list of surviving family members, underlining the strong family man that Ollie was.
Time.news: The obituary mentions his wife, Geraldine, their four sons, and a large extended family. What does this emphasis on family suggest about Oliver Johnston’s life?
Dr. Vance: A large, close-knit family often indicates a life centered around relationships and connection. It suggests that Oliver prioritized his role as a husband,father,and family member. The obituary format itself allows these relationships to be honored and remembered. The mention of his parents, in-laws, siblings, nieces, and nephews show how widely cherished and deeply missed he will be.For those coping with loss, recalling these connections provides comfort.
Time.news: The funeral arrangements are detailed, including a funeral home viewing, a Requiem Mass, and a burial at Burrishoole Cemetery. Why are these details vital?
Dr. Vance: Providing specific details helps those who wish to pay their respects. The funeral arrangements allow friends and family to gather and support each othre during a arduous time. The inclusion of the funeral home address (St. Dominick’s Funeral Home in Newport, F28 H862) and church (St. Patrick’s Church, Newport) encourages attendance. The note about the “house will remain strictly private” politely sets boundaries for the family’s privacy during their grieving process.
Time.news: the obituary also includes a live stream link for the funeral mass on the Burrishoole Parish Facebook page. How does technology play a role in modern grieving?
Dr.Vance: The live stream option demonstrates how technology is adapting to accommodate modern life and geographical distances. It allows those unable to attend in person to still participate in the service and offer their support. it is inclusive innovation. Offering alternative avenues for people to both memorialise a loved one and express sympathy is critically important. This can considerably help ease the grief experienced.
Time.news: what practical advice can you offer to readers who are either grieving the loss of Oliver Johnston or dealing with a similar loss in their own lives?
Dr. Vance: Allow yourself to grieve. There is no right or wrong way to feel after losing a loved one. Lean on your support network – family, friends, or grief counseling if needed. Don’t be afraid to share memories and stories of the deceased. Attend the services, if possible, or participate in online memorials. And most importantly, be patient with yourself and allow yourself time to heal. It is indeed also critically important to remember the importance of self-care during periods of mourning. Ensuring your nutritional, medical, and physical needs are being met will provide the best foundation for recovery.
Time.news: Dr. Vance, thank you for your insights. Your expertise is invaluable in understanding the grieving process and the importance of community support in times of loss. For anyone dealing with grief, remember to reach out for help and allow yourself the time you need to heal.