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Teresa Mellum and her family are graciously requesting that loved ones, in lieu of flowers, make donations toward the Tucson Irish Heritage Center Project in their father's name. Contributions can be sent to The Emerald Isle Society of Tucson and will be earmarked for the project. The members of EIS wish to extend their sympathy to Teresa and her family for their loss.
Mark donations "Raymond Fenlon-Irish Center" and mail to:
Emerald Isle Society
PO Box 57183
Tucson, AZ 85732
Raymond H. Fenlon 89, passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2008. He is survived by his daughters, Teresa Mellum and Kelly Fenlon; his grandchildren, Katie, Molly (Ryan), Annie (Shane), Maggie, Mark, John and Hayley; great- granddaughter, Madison; and his brother, Patrick as well as forty-six nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bette; his daughter, Erin Leadbetter and nine of his ten siblings. Ray was born in Cheyboygan, MI on September 9, 1918 into a large Irish Catholic family. He graduated from George Washington University where he met his wife of 50 years. Ray served in the US Army in World War II where he was trained in military physical education, which led to a career as a rep for McGregor sporting goods. Through his travels he became friends with many baseball players including Harmon Killebrew and Jim Lemon. Ray was a spectacular coach at St. John's High School and learned from some of the greats including legends Joe Gallagher and Morgan Wootten, who was also his championship golf partner. Ray and his family lived in the Washington DC area until 1977 when they retired to Scottsdale. He will be remembered for his strong Catholic faith, his love of sports (especially golf - a four handicap), his sense of humor, his boundless generosity and as Grandpa to his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Irish Heritage Center. Send donations to the Emerald Isle Society of Tucson; Ray Fenlon contribution to the Irish Heritage Center, P.O. Box 57183, Tucson, AZ 85732. Visitation at EAST LAWN PALMS CHAPEL from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. Services will be held at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2008. Internment to take place at Valley of the Sun Memorial Park in Chandler, AZ.
Published in the Tucson Newspapers on 5/11/2008.
The Emerald Ball, March 1, 2008, click here for details
EIS’ signature event is the annual Emerald Ball, usually held on the first weekend of March. This black tie gala is a cultural whirlwind of bagpipers, Irish dancers, harpists, fairies and imported Irish bands. There are silent and live auctions, and raffles as well. The proceeds of our gala event are donated to local Tucson charites, those of which are especially deserving and underfunded by the community. We cordially invite you to join us to discover and participate in the joys of Irish culture and heritage.
Tir na nOg, October - click here for details
Expanding on the success of the ball, EIS also hosts another annual event, “A Night in Tir na nOg,” to celebrate Samhain, the Celtic New Year. Our American Halloween derives from these Celtic New Year celebrations. It is a magical time in the Irish calendar, when the veil between this world and the land of eternal youth (Tir na nOg, or heaven in Irish lore) becomes very thin. Dress up fairies, goblins, banshees and ghosts attend this other worldly event, where they dance to traditional tunes, dine on ancient Irish fare, and ring around the autumnal bonfire in wild delight.
Saint Patrick's Day Communion Breakfasts, March 17.
The morning of March 17 we celebrate the feast day of St. Patrick with a communion breakfast. We usually have a Catholic mass, a lovely breakfast, and a keynote speaker. This tradition celebrates St. Patrick's Day in the way the Irish do, with reverence, dignity and culture in a community setting.
Irish Celtic History Culture and Spirituality groups, Dates ongoing
call Tim Prendiville for information (520)907-4913
Bloomsday, June 16
An ever more popular notion, "Bloomsday" celebrates the day in
the life ofprotagonist Leopold Bloom as chosen by James Joyce in his masterpiec novelUllyses. With optional turn-of-the-century attire, Bloomsday parties celebrate the genius of James Joyce, the most brilliant ( Irish) author of the twentieth century. EIS has held both public and private Bloomsday celebrations on an annual basis.
Author Series , Dates vary
Over the years, EIS has sponsored several Irish author visits to Tucson, either alone or in concert with other interested organizations. Recent invitees have included the noted spitiualist Father John O'Donohue and the best-selling author Nuala O'Faoilain. We look forward to continuing to provide educational and cultural opportunities for our members, the local Irish and the general Tucson community.
All images and articles are subject to copyright © Emerald Isle Society of Tucson 2006
