Born in Branch on 15 December 1917, Petchie Nash (née Roche) grew up in a house that was full of music. Her mother, Mary Ellen Roche, frequently played the accordion at local events, and singing songs at bedtime was a regular part of the household routine for Petchie and her siblings.
As a young woman, Petchie married Leo Nash; they had three sons and three daughters.
She continued to sing throughout her life, joining in at house parties and appearing in local concerts. For her last public performance, Petchie’s daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter joined her on stage to sing Petchie’s favourite song, “I’ll be all smiles tonight.” Petchie passed away on 29 April 2008, exactly 40 years after her husband.
Petchie Nash in her kitchen with a potato masher that came from Ireland (photo courtesy of Phyllis Nash; used with permission).
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Only a face in the firelight / Petchie Nash & Frankie Nash
Only a face in the firelight, song (I was seated one night by the hearthstone ...) Written by American composer Charles Shackford, this song was recorded by tenor James McCool in 1904 (Victor 2732). This sentimental song describes someone dreaming of a deceased lover while slumbering by a fireside.
| ITMA Reference | 54045 |
| Creator | Nash, Petchie, singing in English ; Nash, Frankie, singing in English |
| Contributor | O'Hara, Aidan |
| Date | 4 October 1975 |
| Publisher | Irish Traditional Music Archive |
| Location | Branch, St Mary's Bay, Newfoundland, Canada |
| Subject | Newfoundland: Song in English |
| Language | English |
| Collection | Aidan O'Hara Collection |
| Type | Sound |
| Extent | 00:02:49 |
| Copyright | Performer and Aidan O'Hara |
| Roud Number | 26944 |
| View in ITMA catalogue: | Go to catalogue |
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Courtesy of Bernadine Brennan
Henry Nash (1934–2009)
Anthony Power (1904–1980)
Irish Traditional Music Archive /
Taisce Cheol Dúchais Éireann
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