Late Roscommon maternity nurse who delivered former RTÉ broadcaster is remembered
The late Kathleen Dalton.
Kathleen Dalton (nee Rushe) of Upper Elphin Street, Strokestown, wife of the late Michael (Mick) Dalton, passed away peacefully on November 1st at her home, surrounded by her loving daughters and sons.
A native of Cloonfree, Strokesstown, Kathleen was daughter of the late Patrick Rushe and of the late Ellen Rushe.
Following her school days, she trained as a state registered nurse and later specialised in maternity nursing. In 1954, she married Mick Dalton whom she had known from 16 years of age, and they settled in Palmerstown, Dublin.
She attended to her duties in Dublin by travelling to homes on her motorcycle. She later joined the staff of the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, where she spent many happy years, until her retirement. She was responsible for the safe delivery of Joe Duffy, later RTÉ broadcaster.
When she and her husband retired, they decided to move back to their native county, coming to reside in Strokestown, where they created a nice life for themselves.
Both she and her husband became Ministers of the Eucharist at the Parish Church. They participated in the local social scene, enjoying social dancing and card playing. They were noted for keeping an excellent flower and vegetable garden at their home. Mrs Dalton famously participated in a mock wedding some years ago as a fundraiser for the local Community Development Association.
She also enjoyed knitting and craftwork. She was predeceased by her husband, Mick, in 2009, her brother, PJ, (UK) and sisters, Eithne (Strokestown), Rita Dolan (Park Court) and Maureen Flanagan (Nadnaveigh).
News of her passing was heard of with deep regret among her relatives, neighbours and friends.
The Funeral Mass on November 3rd was concelebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown, by Fr. Eamonn O'Connor, P.P., and Canon Ciaran Whitney (Strokestown) and the interment followed in Kilcooley Cemetery.
She is survived by her children, Connie, Kieran, Donal, Audrey, Peter, Rosario and Cormac; grandchildren, Lukas, Molly, Bobby, Ewan, Cait, Blathnaid, Tristan, William, Ella-Kate, Beibheann, Fianna and Niamh; great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Silas; sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces, brother-in-law, Peadar (Clooneigh), sisters-in-law, Mrs Agnes Carley (Kilglass) and Ms Eithne Dalton (Castlerea) and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
