Mrs Mary Teresa Cunniffe, known as Tess to her friends, passed away peacefully at home on 4 September 2026, aged 93, following a long illness.
Mum was born in Belfield, in a cottage that still stands in the middle of a field near Shinrone, Co. Offaly, Ireland. Like many young people of her generation, she left home before the age of 18 and met her husband, Peter Joseph Cunniffe, in London. They married in Chester and raised their seven children — Mary, Veronica, Peter, Michael, Ann, Eileen and Margaret — in Cheyney Road, before emigrating to Australia in 1973. Mum was later to endure the loss of her beloved husband Peter, her two sons Peter and Michael, and her grandson Jonathan.
During forty years in Australia, Mum’s life was enriched by loving family connections across the UK, Ireland, France, Australia and Mauritius, which gave her great joy through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Despite living away from Ireland for many years, Mum never lost her love for home. She particularly treasured her visits to Co. Offaly and Co. Galway, where she loved to return to family and familiar places. Mum and Dad also cared for Dad’s parents in Cloonmore, Tuam, and returned to Australia after their passing.
In later years, Mum was lovingly cared for by her eldest daughter, Mary, bringing her life full circle. She remained at home until the end, surrounded by the love of her family, including family who travelled from Australia to be with her.
Mum will be deeply missed by her five remaining children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her wider family and friends around the world, and all those who knew and loved her.
She loved her family unconditionally with extraordinary generosity. She never wanted to be any trouble to anyone and was an example of faith, courage and strength in her final journey.
May she rest in peace.
Webcast:
Service:
Our Lady of Lourdes Church: https://streetmic.live/MaryTeresaCunniffe
Committal:
Hemel Hempstead Crematorium: Webcast Login PIN 730-8727
https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view
Mary’s grandson is running in the 2027 London Marathon, also raising money
for St Luke’s Hospice, if you wish to donate this way, please use the following link:
http://2027tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/simon-fourcroy
Service
DATE AND TIME
Wednesday 30th September 2026, 11:00am
ADDRESS
Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church, Rothamsted Avenue, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2QH
Committal
DATE AND TIME
Wednesday 30th September 2026, 12:30pm
ADDRESS
Hemel Hempstead Crematorium, Poppy Fields Cemetery, Bedmond Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 8LL
Reception
DATE AND TIME
Wednesday 30th September 2026, 1:30pm
ADDRESS
Prae Wood Arms, Garden House Lane, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6JZ
If arrangements change
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