MOURNERS at the funeral of Co Armagh schoolgirl Caitlin White who died of a suspected drugs overdose have been told to "remember her life, not her death".
Hundreds of friends and family members gathered in Newry yesterday to remember the 15-year-old, following her sudden death on Saturday.
The teenager died in Craigavon Hospital after being found unconscious near the Corcrain estate in Portadown, where she had been with friends. The exact cause of her death is not yet known, but police say a link to drugs is one line of inquiry.
Three male teenagers, arrested in the wake of her tragic death, have been released on police bail.
Pupils from her former primary school formed a guard of honour outside the Church of the Assumption in Newry, where tributes were paid during the Requiem Mass.
There were emotional scenes, especially among her young friends, as a white coffin bearing the remains of the Craigavon Senior High School pupil was brought into the church.
Addressing mourners, Fr Damien Quigley spoke of the sadness at the death of the teenager, who has been described as "beautiful girl inside and out".
He told the congregation to "remember her life, not her death" and to "remember her on her birthday...not day she died".
The teenager had been living in the Portadown area for around two years after growing up in Newry.
Speaking to The Irish News earlier this week, Caitlin's aunt, Claire White, paid tribute to her "beautiful" niece.
"She was just a great wee girl, one of those people who lit up every room she went in to," she said.
"Whenever you would see her she was bubbly and cheerful, she always had a smile on her face.
"She was a beautiful girl inside and out. Caitlin would talk to anyone, she was very popular and well liked - that was just her personality."
Following her funeral yesterday, the teenager was laid to rest in Cloughoge cemetery.
