MOURNERS at the funeral of the mother-of-five killed in a Randalstown road crash have been told of a "good person with a loving heart".
Lorraine Clyde (56), of the Meadows, Antrim, died along with fellow care worker Michelle McStravick (35) from Randalstown, on Monday morning as they made their home-help rounds.
At yesterday's funeral colleagues formed a guard of honour and each placed a single white rose on the coffin by way of tribute as it left St Comgall's Church in Antrim.
At Requiem Mass Fr Sean Emerson spoke in glowing terms about a "generous person", who also worked as a patrol lady at St Comgall's Primary School.
"I knew Lorraine through the school especially as the 'Lollipop Lady'," he said.
"On a few occasions I had witnessed her giving a steely stare to motorists that had encroached too far on to the crossing as she protected the children and ensured their safety. How ironic that she was to be the victim of an accident considering her work as the patrol crossing person. Lorraine always greeted me with a warm smile and an enquiry how I was keeping. I knew her to a generous person, always willing to help, " Fr Emerson continued.
Addressing the congregation Fr Emerson spoke of her role in trade union Unison and long-standing involvement in the local primary school for the past 28 years.
"A busy woman as her many different roles in the school for the last 28 years demonstrate, first as a volunteer and then as a member of the staff. However, she was not a shrinking violet and could be a bit bossy," he joked. "But you would have to say that Lorraine was a good person with a loving heart."
Fr Emerson closed by commending Mrs Clyde on her faith.
"Lorraine was a busy woman, with many irons in the fire. But she did believe in God. And so today because of her good deeds, her generosity and her loving heart it is with confidence that we commend her to God’s care in heaven," he added.
The funeral service was followed by cremation at Roselawn Crematorium.
In the aftermath of the fatal crash on Monday her husband William paid tribute to his wife describing her as a "genuinely great woman" who "lived for her family", while a representative from St Comgall's Primary School said she had been a "determined champion of women's and workers' rights".
Floral tributes have been placed at the junction of the Church Road and the Moneyrod Road, where the tragic accident claimed both women's lives.
Requiem Mass for Randalstown carer Michelle McStravick was held on Thursday at St MacNissi's Church.
