THE funeral arrangements an 86-year-old mother and baby home campaigner who died on New Year’s Day have been announced.
Rosaleen ‘Rosie’ McKinney passed away in the Mater Hospital following a short illness.
A survivor of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home, Ms McKinney, of Cabra, told the Irish Examiner in 2021 that women in her position were “treated like animals”.
She said that she lost the hearing in her right ear from a beating she got from a nun.
Ms McKinney added that the revelation that some 796 children are missing in Tuam, some buried in a disused sewerage system, was a source of horror to her.
She said: “How could the nuns be so cruel? They’re supposed to work for God, and look what they did to mothers and their babies.”
A native of Dunmore in Co Galway, where she was the youngest in family of nine, Rosie had two babies as a teenager in the St Mary’s Home in Tuam.
Five years of her life were spent there and in the Galway Magdalene laundry.
Both of her children were adopted.
Ms McKinney was just 13 years old when she first was sent to the mother and baby home.
Her death notice reads that she will be “very sadly missed” and remembered with love by her daughter Margaret, step son Tony, grandchildren Paul and Tegan, relatives, neighbours and friends.
She will lie in repose at the family home on Sunday January 5 between 5pm and 8pm.
Her removal will take place on Monday to Christ the King Church, Cabra arriving for 10am mass, followed by cremation in Glasnevin Crematorium.
Mourners have been asked to donate to the Christ the King Day Centre in lieu of flowers.
‘TRIED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE’
Tributes have poured in for the campaigner as news of her passing spreads.
One mourner wrote: “Condolences to all relatives and friends of Rosaleen.
“A wonderful human being who tried to make a difference for the scandalous wrongs that were committed by this state representatives and their cohorts in years past.
“A real caring person and true hero.”
Another added: “Sincere Condolences to her Daughter Margaret and stepson and grandchildren Rose was a tireless Campaigner for justice for survivors.
“May she rest in peace it was a pleasure to have known you Rose fly high with the angels.”
She passed away after a short illness[/caption]
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