Funeral arrangements announced for woman a week after sad passing in Limerick house fire

THE WOMAN who perished in a house fire in Limerick over a week ago will be laid to rest on Tuesday.

Rita Brick has been fondly remembered as a great friend and neighbour, who enjoyed a chat and always had a smile for everyone she met.

Ms Brick, aged in her 70s, of Mount Pleasant Avenue, Wolfe Tone Street, Limerick city and formerly of Aer Lingus, will repose at Griffin’s Funeral Home, John’s Gate, Limerick city on Monday, May 12 from 5pm to 6.30pm. 

Funeral arriving at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Ennis Road on Tuesday, for Requiem Mass at 1pm. Burial afterwards in Mount Saint Lawrence (Ext.) Cemetery.

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Emergency services, led by Limerick Fire and Rescue Service, responded to a fire in the woman's home  after the alarm was raised in the early hours of Saturday morning, May 3.

It’s very sad, said Senator Maria Byrne, who knew Ms Brick for many years.

“She lived in Mount Pleasant Avenue and worked with Aer Lingus as a ground hostess in Shannon Airport. 

“Rita was well-respected and well-liked within the community. 

“The Bricks are a well-known Limerick family,” said Ms Byrne, who expressed her sympathies to Ms Brick’s sister Olive and the extended Boland, Brick and Walsh families.

The senator said Ms Brick loved doing her daily crossword and was very knowledgeable and up to date on current affairs, and what was happening in the local community.

“She had a great interest in sport. She was a big supporter of Shannon RFC, Munster and Ireland rugby,” said Ms Byrne.

It's believed the fire was quickly brought under control and that the body of a woman was discovered during a subsequent search of the property.

The scene was preserved by gardai to facilitate a technical examination. It's understood there is nothing to suggest foul play. A file will be prepared for the Limerick coroner John McNamara.

Many tributes have been paid following Ms Brick’s untimely passing.

One person said on rip.ie: “Rita was a lovely lady who always had a smile for everyone. May she rest in peace.”

Another to extend their sympathies wrote: “Such a pleasure to have known Rita, an amazing, inspirational lady.”

Ms Brick is also fondly remembered by many former colleagues in Aer Lingus. 

“She was a very kind, good-natured lady and a great work colleague,” said one.

Her passing is deeply regretted by her loving sister Olive Boland and extended family, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends. 

May she rest in peace.