Late Hilary had true love of life and made time for everyone

A BAREFIELD teacher renowned for her love of languages has been remembered as an “inspiration” following her passing.

Hilary Anne Niehues (nee Doyle) grew up in Dublin and spent several years in Germany before returning with her husband Wilhelm to Ireland and settling in Barefield.

She taught in a number of Clare schools and has been fondly remembered by her many neighbours, colleagues and friends.

Her good friend Marion Coughlan Flynn, former principal of St John Bosco Community College, Kildysart was recently moved to honour Hilary by gathering together a collection of moving tributes from those who knew her.

She first met Hilary as a mature student of German in the ‘90s.

“A real lady she was; kind, empathetic, selfless, good humoured – a real decent human being. Many an evening I returned from school to find a bag of scones, a tart, a carton of cream and of course home-made marmalade hanging on the back door. Birthdays were never forgotten and of course Christmas.”

“As a teacher she was a real educator. Hilary taught what was necessary for exams but also the extras that enrich the learning experience.

“Her knowledge of and interest in languages was an inspiration. She taught German and French to many generations of locals at first and second level. Like all good teachers she was constantly learning hence she took up Spanish and more recently Irish Language and Culture.”

Just last Christmas she visited Hilary.

“Despite being in very poor health the old Hilary was there, a gift in her hand and excited to tell me how she had learned to paint stained glass in Milford Nursing Home.

“She had one request for me. Hilary was beginning a project of collecting old Irish sayings, would I co-operate and send her some? I miss you, Hilary. Leaba i measc na Naomh go raibh agat.”

Josephine Ryan, teacher at the Kildysart school, first came to know Hilary as a substitute teacher.

She was “a very valuable asset and fountain of knowledge on all things German. Hilary was passionate about the subject and about the culture of the German speaking countries and this passion was passed down to any students that were lucky enough to be taught by her.”

Anne Gallagher, teacher at Coláiste Muire told how the language teachers in the Ennis school were fortunate over many years to have had in Hilary “a wonderfully professional and dynamic substitute teacher”.

Working with Hilary was “always a joy”. In addition to being an excellent teacher, “Hilary was loyal, supportive and kind as a colleague. Hilary’s zest for life, her “Lebensfreude” was infectious and she became a beloved presence in the school winning the hearts of staff, students and all of us who encountered her in Coláiste. We have lost in Hilary a very special life force.”

Retired principal of Corofin NS Declan Kelleher and his wife Mary said, “I was privileged to have seen her working with the senior children in Corofin NS over many years and her incredible talents as a linguist were an absolute joy to behold.

“She certainly inspired a great love of language and the culture that surrounded European languages amongst her many pupils and she will be greatly missed.”

“Au revoir a chara agus tá súil agam go mbeidh seanchas mór agat i dteangacha na hEorpa i saol suaimhneach eile. Slán Hilary, ní dóigh liom go mbeidh do leithéid ann arís.”

Neighbour and friend Brigid Barron recalled Hilary as “always happy and cheerful; she had an interest in everything and was always up for an adventure”.

She cultivated a natural flower garden, giving space to wildlife and her cats to which she was devoted.

“Hilary was the glue that kept the Barefield set dancers on their toes,” she adds, making sure everyone was included and one of her last projects was to create a record of old Irish sayings.

“She had a great sense of fun and zest for life. I truly miss Hilary”.

Pauline O’Driscoll has known Hilary since coming to Barefield in 1990, and Hilary often took care of her children Barry, Lisa, Patricia and Tracey while she and husband Finbarr were away on business.

Since first meeting, “she has been a very close friend and a great support and confidante to me”.

She remembered the “great care” Hilary took of her children, “so much so that they often asked, especially Barry, how soon would I be going again.”

She added, “I miss her so much, she has left a big gap in my life and I am sure she is at peace now. We will not see her likes again.”

Finbarr added, “Hilary was a major part of our lives since we came to Barefield.”

Barry first met Hilary aged seven and remembered with fondness how she took care of him and his siblings.

She later went on to help his language studies, with Barry crediting her with helping get into his preferred university course.

“As an adult it was always lovely to call in to Hilary for a visit, she would have fresh baked scones with cream and jam, or a German tart that was delicious, and we’d pick up like old times.

“In all my time I spent with Hilary and each stage of my life I don’t ever remember her once being cross or angry.

“She was always a source of great fun and enthusiasm, and you could enjoy a conversation with her for hours.

“She lived a wonderful life where she pursued her passions and affected so many people in a positive manner. While I miss her terribly, I count myself lucky to have known her.”

Lisa remembered her as a “cherished family friend”, bonding over a shared love of set dancing.

“She was a shining light, intelligent, kind-hearted, positive, ready for anything.”

Recalling Hilary looking after them Patricia said, “We were fascinated by this kind woman who would cook us delicious meals, play games and tell us stories.

“We had to mask our delight when our parents said they had to go away for a few days.”

Hilary tutored her languages in school and they remained friends for 30 years.

“I always looked forward to running into her as spending time in her company was always so uplifting”, she said adding, “She had a true love of life.”

Tracey described her as a “beloved family friend”, remembering when Hilary “saved the day” by helping her type up an important paper for university.

“Hilary, your optimism, love of learning and kind heart will always stay with me as inspiration.”

Paying tribute, neighbour Maria Roseingrave said, “Hilary was a wonderful friend and neighbour and was always upbeat and good humoured despite her illness,” adding, “gone but not forgotten”.

Hilary’s love of nature, animals and her garden are looked back on by neighbour Mary Kearns.

“She cultivated with an eye on the environment, mowing when the grasses and flowers had shed their seeds. She was rewarded with a beautiful meadow-like garden rich in wild flowers.”

She first met Hilary when she was asked to care for her cats, who she “treasured” when she went on holiday.

“I got detailed instructions on their personalities, likes and dislikes as I did her seeds and plants which she propagated in her little greenhouse.”

Hilary’s garden was a haven for birds and she regularly completed the Irish Garden Bird Survey for Birdwatch Ireland.

“Interacting with Hilary was always stimulating as she had a keen interest in so many things, she has gone from us but her beloved garden reflects the beauty of nature she nurtured so lovingly.”

Hilary Anne Niehues (née Doyle) passed away in March in the care of Milford Care Centre, Limerick after a long illness bravely borne.

Predeceased by her parents Patrick and Lucy and brother Dermot, she is remembered by her husband Wilhelm (Willi), her twin brother Vivian, sisters Peig and Janette, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours.