Carmel Heaney 21st July 1924 - 13th Aug 2026
As we reflect on the life of our dear friend Carmel, it’s hard to know where to start. Carmel came to Focusing late in life as she says herself, when her cousin gave her Eugene Gendlin’s book Focusing. She really loved it and found it so useful in dealing with conflict in relationships and in life in general.
Carmel was a treasured member of the IFN and we looked on her as the wise person as she was so full of wisdom and knowledge.
She really embraced life and ageing even when she became a centenarian plus. Carmel talked about a Force leading her and guiding her and that force shone through in her.
Over the years she attended Focusing Workshops in Emmaus and Coolock in North County Dublin. This was no easy task as she used public transport from Blackrock, taking the train and often two buses. Even when her sight was failing, she took out her little magnifying glass and made sure she read all the notes we used.
She was very philosophical, loved The Enneagram and lives of the Saints and studied dream work
During Covid, when we moved our meetings to Zoom, her willingness to embrace the new technology impressed us all. She took it all in her stride, even when we had to help her position her webcam so that we could see her properly!
She absolutely loved poetry and particularly enjoyed the poetry sessions facilitated by Marie and Elaine.
Reading the condolences on RIP the comments from the people she encountered in her professional life were similar to those of us who knew her in IFN. People have spoken about her kindness, her curiosity about the meaning of life, her love of language and wanting to be precise in her speech with her articulation. Her listening skills were also praised. Another, she was an example of courage, commitment and perseverance.
Her great energy was also mentioned as she enjoyed volley ball, walking and exercise classes.
On reaching one hundred she said it made her daily life simpler, trained her in letting go, which was, she said the foundation for good mental health. As in the Focusing tradition she had learned the capacity to be with whatever was happening and trust that everything comes together in time.
Carmel was a remarkable lady who will be missed by all who knew her.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam uasal.
By Marian Burke
Watch her beautiful video reciting and resonating with the poem 'Like a Holy Face' by Rainer Marie Rilke
Listen to her episode on our Focusing Pathways Podcast:
