86-year-old Mrs D conferred with a degree from Maynooth

PHIL Devitt, the 86-year-old owner of Newlands Home and Garden Centre, was conferred with a degree in Maynooth University on Wednesday afternoon.

The ceremony marked the culmination of four years of studying and completing assignments by the popular businesswoman, who is affectionately known in the community as Mrs D.

Her path to earning a bachelor’s degree in community development and social studies began four years ago, when she undertook a back-to-education course in Maynooth.

Mrs D’s daughter, Denise, said that her mam decided to engage in academic pursuits after Mike, her beloved husband of over 55 years, passed away in 2017.

Denise told The Echo: “My father passed away six years ago, so my mother found the evenings long and lonely, and decided she wanted to do something to keep her mind occupied.

“So she did a back-to-education course in Maynooth and she loved it.

“Initially we just thought she’d do it as a one-year night course, but a lot of the people from the course applied to do the degree and my mother was encouraged to do it too, and was delighted when she got in.”

Mrs D balanced her studies, which included modules on topics like homelessness and addiction, with working full-time in the garden centre, where she is held in high regard by staff and customers.

Over the years, Mrs D has offered transition year work experience placements to local school students and in many instances has employed them throughout their school and college studies.

Denise added that her mam enjoys working with young people from the area, and on many occasions has encouraged young people who were considering leaving school to continue their studies.

One of Mrs D’s employees, Siobhan Malone, contacted The Echo to praise her boss’s work and the impact she has had – and continues to have – on the community.

“She has created employment in the area for almost 50 years,” said Siobhan.

“Mrs D is a very modest woman with the kindest heart, she is always very supportive to local groups and schools within the area.

“This lady is renowned for her knowledge, expertise, determination and, above all, kindness within the area.

“I feel her story should be told – it goes to show what hard work and determination can do. I really think her story is truly remarkable, and she has made such a huge contribution to the community.”

Mrs D’s brother-in-law, Fr Séamus Devitt from the Assumption Parish in Ballyfermot, also contacted The Echo about her achievement, as Mrs D doesn’t typically seek out praise for her work.

“She wouldn’t be one to blow her own trumpet,” added Denise. “She’s done so much for everyone, but she never wants anything in return.

“We’re all immensely proud of her. She has spent all her life giving to other people, but this time it was just something that she did for herself and got great enjoyment out of it.”

Mrs D was conferred with her undergraduate degree at Maynooth University on Wednesday afternoon with her family by her side to share the occasion and mark her inspirational achievement.

When asked what her father, and Mrs D’s late husband, Mike, would think of his wife’s achievement, Denise said: “He would’ve been immensely proud of her – they were a great team together.”

Mrs D’s family and colleagues held a small get-together in the garden centre on Wednesday evening to celebrate her being awarded her degree, while a larger party will be held later this month.

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