Family and friends remember Josephine (Josie) Purcell (née Clancy) as a gentle, smiling soul whose warmth made people feel instantly at ease. Originally from Quilty, Co. Clare, and having spent treasured years in London and Cork before making her home in Carrigeenlea, Tramore, Josie carried a kindness that travelled with her wherever life brought her. She passed peacefully and smiling in University Hospital Waterford on Tuesday 20th January 2026, and those who loved her take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her beloved husband John, her twelve siblings and her son-in-law Eddie. Above all else, Josie was devoted to her daughter Patricia and was a proud and loving nanny to Sinéad and Laura, and a cherished great-granny to Harry, Skye and Ollie, holding family at the very centre of her world.
In the many heartfelt words shared after her passing, the same message shines through time and again: Josie was a true lady in every sense. One tribute read, “Josie was a lovely gentle lady, may she rest in peace.” Another lovingly recalled her Quilty roots, saying, “Many the laughs she had here in Clare she will be missed.” Those who met her in Tramore remembered her constant brightness, writing, “She was a beautiful lady, always smiling when we met her,” while another described her as a “beautiful, gentle, smiling, mum, nanny and great granny.” And in perhaps the most fitting line of all, one condolence captured what so many felt: “Josie will be remembered for her generosity and welcoming smile.” Her legacy is one of love, laughter and a softness of spirit that will remain close to her family forever.
Late of Carrigeenlea , Tramore, Co. Waterford. Formerly of London and Quilty, Co.Clare. Josie passed peacefully and smiling in University Hospital Waterford on Tuesday the 20th of January 2026. RIP.
Predeceased by her beloved husband John, her 12 siblings and her son in law, Eddie.
Josie will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her heartbroken daughter Patricia; her loving and much loved grandaughters, Sinead and Laura and Laura’s husband, Trevor and her cherised great grandchildren, Harry, Skye and Ollie. Josie will be fondly remembered by all her extended family, relatives, wonderful neighbours and friends.
May her gentle soul rest in peace
Josie will be reposing at her residence, 80, Carrigeenlea, Tramore on Thursday the 22nd of January from 6pm until 8pm.
The O’Neill family would like to thank, with great appreciation, all the staff of University Hospital, Waterford, the staff of Tramore Nursing Home and Josie’s home help carers, Kitty, Michelle and Jamie.
Josie’s requiem mass will take place on Friday the 23rd of January at 10am in the church of the Holy Cross, Tramore after which, Josie will be laid to rest in St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Kilcully, Co. Cork. Anyone wishing to attend Josie’s mass online can do so by using the link below.
Live Stream | Welcome to the Parish of Tramore and Carbally
Josie’s funeral cortege will walk from Tramore Credit Union/Lodges corner at approximately 9:35 to arrive for her requiem mass.
Book of Condolence
Anyone wishing to leave a message of condolence can do so below.