Munster Express Online

Widespread and profound sorrow and regret was occasioned by the death of Mrs.Sarah (Sadie) Rogers (nee Butler), Cove Park, Tramore.

Sadie possessed a rare ability to instil untold depths of humanity into the smallest task undertaken.  That she will long be remembered and the esteem in which the deceased and her family are held was truly indicated by the immense concourse of sympathisers attending the removal from Thompson’s Funeral Home to Holy Cross Church and requiem Mass on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, concelebrated by Bishop Michael Russell, Canon Hopkins, Fr.Meehan, Fr.Kelly, Fr.Callanan and Fr.Whelan S.M.A., who married Sadie and Bertie.

In his homily Monsignor John Shine said that Sadie was possessed of a spirituality which was not demonstrative or obtrusive and which prompted her to go to Lourdes annually.  She was involved in many services or acts of charity.  Over twenty years ago a bereavement group was set up in the parish and members elected Sadie as co-ordinator.  Her interest and commitment in Lourdes saw Sadie chosen as Leader of the Handmaids, a position she filled with distinction for nine years.  Her main services were most significant as they were for mourners on the one hand in the Parish and in Lourdes for those who were seriously ill.  Sadie flew the flag of fidelity, a great virtue and has now gone to join the top tier of the Communion of Saints.

Prior to the burial in St.Declan’s Cemetery, Riverstown, Saide’s family paid their own poignant tribute.

“Five children she managed to wrangle,

Add dogs and cats into that brood,

There was plenty of sibling rivalry,

Not to mention adolescent swings of mood.

She packed boxes with school lunches,

Crisp ironed shirts and polished shoes,

No doubt work done through the day,

She was rewarded with the nine o’clock news.

What did Sadie do with her life?

Wasn’t she just a housewife?

Never fazed by her kid’s operations,

Gaping wounds and stitches galore,

We made mum a regular visitor

At Kevin Collins’ surgery door.

She nursed and counselled both young and old,

A vocation she could not hide,

Her father’s sister and best friend,

Doing it all quietly with little pride.

What did Sadie do with her life?

Wasn’t she just a housewife?

Mum took a crack at golfing to placate her encouraging spouse,

But she preferred to remain and attentive ear for her offspring at our house.

Once all of us were reared and gone,

Mum found a niche to fill her day.

Soon Lourdes became her focus,

Organising so much in her own quiet way.

What did Sadie do with her life?

Wasn’t she just a housewife?

A strong woman behind each successful man,

Or so the saying goes,

Waterford Crystal, Chamber, Enterprise

And not forgetting all Dad’s shows.

Of course, now there’s the next generation,

She loves her children’s girls and boys,

Only material things she’d reassure us

As kids battered her ornaments with toys.

What did Sadie do with her life,

Wasn’t she just a housewife?

So, farewell mum and many thanks

For devoting your life to each of us,

Flicking the ash and rubbing your hip

Amidst the chaos, noise and fuss.

Yes, Sadie, you did a lot with your life

And will always be our favourite desperate housewife.”

Deepest sympathy in their sad loss is extended to her bereaved husband Bertie, daughters Marcella, Louise and Sarah, sons Barry and Thomas, brothers Michael and Paddy, sons-in-law Frank and John, daughters-in-law Sinead and Martine, sisters-in-law Ann and Margaret, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.