Philomena M. (Murray) Ferro died on March 3 after a prolonged illness. She was 69. Her daughter Clare was by her side.

Ena was born in Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland on July 3, 1955, the sixth of nine children, to James and Margaret (Meg) Murray.

She was a very good student but left school to work on Jersey, one of the Channel Islands. She stayed for two years.

In 1987, Ena and her sister Margaret joined their brother John on the Vineyard; Ena would stay for the next 13 years. She worked at various jobs around the Island, from catering to bookkeeping.

She married Vineyarder Vincent Ferro in 1990. Their daughter Clare was born the following year. They divorced after seven years.

In 1998, she was hired as caregiver to Craig Kingsbury and his small farm in Vineyard Haven. Craig and his sheep and poultry enjoyed the care of the new “farm hand.”

Everything thrived after Ena’s arrival, from lettuce to lambs. She was a good cook, had an unforgettable laugh, and brought “life” to the old farmhouse. Her daughter Clare and four cats also helped.

It was a sad day for Craig and the farm when Ena and Clare returned to Ireland in 2000.

She is survived by her partner in life and love, Michael Moscariello, of Acton; daughter Clare M. Ferro of Fitchburg; son, Dominic Kelly of Denmark; seven siblings and six grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, and a sister, Clare.

Burial will be private.

To honor Ena, please donate to a food bank, share a cup of tea with a friend and make them laugh.