THE son of a Derry woman killed in a road accident in Co Donegal was released from hospital yesterday to attend his mother's funeral.
There were poignant scenes as mourners, many carrying yellow roses, followed the funeral cortege of Siobhan Hutcheon (38) to Sacred Heart Church in Muff, Co Donegal.
Mrs Hutcheon died when her car was struck by a bus near Newtown-cunningham on Saturday. Her three sons were also injured in the crash.
The accident happened on route to the family's holiday home at Kerry-keel.
Mrs Hutcheon's husband Warren had planned to join them after he finished
work at the Seagate factory in Derry. While Mrs Hutcheon's younger sons - Ben and Jake - are still being treated in hospital for their injuries, her oldest son, Callum was released to attend the funeral.
Pupils from St Columb's College and Hollybush primary school - where they boys were pupils - formed a guard of honour at the entrance to the church.
Although from the Foyle Springs area of Derry, Mrs Hutcheon, who worked at Lloyd's chemist in the city, had been living in the border village of Muff with her husband for the past 12 years.
Mrs Hutcheon's grand-uncle, Fr Frank McLaughlin was joined by Muff parish priest Fr John Farren and five other concelebrants at yesterday's Requiem Mass.
Fr Farren told mourners her death had been unfair, uncaring and cruel for her family.
"It [death] is blind to the energetic, lively, fun-loving Siobhan that they knew and loved," he said.
"She had a warm and fun loving nature. She was loved by all her family and friends. Siobhan was a great person to be around, particularly if you were down or in trouble."