Fundraiser for children of beloved Laois mum

A FUNDRAISER for the children of a beloved café employee who died last week has raised almost €14,000 in just 24 hours.

The death of Dorota (Dora) Gabrysiak, who was described as ‘the heart and soul’ of Meuller and O’Connell Bakery in Abbeyleix, caused widespread grief on Thursday.

Originally from Poland, Dora lived at Esker Hills in Portlaoise and is survived by her daughters Suzanne and Julia. Over the past few days, countless tributes have been paid to the young mother and barista, who was a familiar smiling face at Mueller & O’Connell and previously worked at Costa in Portlaoise.

A group of her many friends set up a GoFundMe on Sunday to help her little daughters, with a target of €30,000. In the first 24 hours, the fundraiser titled 'Friends of Dorota (Dora) Gabrysiak' reached €13,800. All funds will be administered by the executors of Dora’s will.

On the fundraising page, her friends said: ‘We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support following the heartbreaking loss of our beloved Dora. So many of you who knew her as a friend, colleague, or simply through the warmth she shared with everyone have asked how you can help.

‘In response to these kind requests, we have set up this GoFundMe to support the future education and wellbeing of Dora’s two cherished daughters, Suzanne and Julia, as they face an uncertain road ahead without their mum.

‘Dora gave so much to all of us with her kindness, her laughter, her unwavering heart. This fund is a way for us to give something back and to honour her legacy, by supporting the people she loved most in the world.

In a heartfelt post on social media, Mueller & O’Connell management recalled Dora’s well-deserved award for customer service excellence and said: ‘Dora was more than just a part of our team - she was the heart and soul of our bakery. Her warm smile, gentle kindness and unwavering love for people made her unforgettable to everyone who walked through our doors. Every customer felt it - the genuine care in her words, the joy in her presence and the magic in the way she made everyone feel welcome.

'Over the past few months, Dora showed a strength and grace that deeply moved us all. Her faith, her courage, and her incredible spirit were a light during her brave battle with cancer. Though she has now found her rest, her memory will live on in every corner of this place she helped shape.’ 

A celebration of Dora’s life will be held at the Life Church Portlaoise (R32HA21) at 7pm on Wednesday 25 June. Interment will follow in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Portlaoise.