Erris has been left stunned and saddened by the unexpected death of Bernie McAndrew.
Mrs McAndrew (nee Heneghan) of Ballina Road, Belmullet, and formerly of Geesala, was a much loved and hugely popular person in her local community. In her early 60s, 
she died suddenly at her home yesterday (Sunday).
Known for her kind and caring nature, Bernie worked as a nurse in Belmullet District Hospital for more than 30 years prior to her retirement. She was heavily involved in community life and was a leading light in Belmullet Golf Club where she was the club’s most recent Lady Captain.
She will be greatly missed by her heartbroken husband Ian, sister Marie Fleming (Crossmolina), mother-in-law Maureen McAndrew (Belmullet), Eileen Heneghan (Geesala), Agnes Gilroy, Patricia McAndrew, Lorna Shine, Maria McAndrew, Evelyn Munnelly, Annette McAndrew, Jillian McAndrew and Ailish Barrett, brother in law Edmund McAndrew and his wife Delia Garvin, nieces, nephews, extended Heneghan and McAndrew family members, cherished friends and former work colleagues.
Tributes poured in following Bernie’s untimely passing.
Carne Golf Links said the news had ‘devastated’ all in the area. “Bernie was a stalwart member of Belmullet Golf Club and the club’s most recent Lady Captain. She was welcoming to new members, was so caring, and nurturing to many junior golfers, and was always there for the ladies that have called the course home throughout the year. She will be greatly missed by all here at Carne.”
The board members and staff of Áras Inis Gluaire in Belmullet where Bernie’s husband Ian is manager, also expressed their sympathy to the family.
“The board members and staff of Áras Inis Gluaire wish to express their deepest sympathies to manager, Ian McAndrew on the untimely passing of his wife Bernie. Bernie was a kind, considerate, and thoughtful person, she will be greatly missed by Ian, family, and her many friends. “
Local Fine Gael councillor Gerry Coyle said the news has ‘stunned’ the area.
“She was a wonderful woman from a good and decent family. A great community person who always looked out for others and was there to help at any time,” said Cllr Coyle. “This has rocked the whole area,” he added.
Mrs McAndrew will be laid to rest tomorrow (Tuesday). Requiem Mass takes place at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Belmullet followed by burial in Geesala Cemetery. In keeping with current Government advice and HSE guidelines, the funeral will be private for immediate family only. Live streaming of the funeral mass which takes place at 1pm is available at churchtv.iebelmullet.
