Northern Ireland

Funeral held for 'beautiful, selfless' mother-of-six Fiona McNally

The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann 
The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann  The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann 

MOURNERS gathered in north Belfast today for the funeral of a “beloved mother” who died after apparent medical complications.

Family and friends of Fiona McNally gathered at Holy Family Church for Requiem Mass for the single mother-of-six.

The 38-year-old, whose children range in age from 20 years to 20 months, was found by her mother at her home off the Limestone Road on Saturday afternoon.

Her family said she had complained of feeling unwell and was vomiting the previous day. They believe her death may be linked to the birth of her youngest child in February 2017.

Belfast health trust said it would work with “any appropriate bodies to investigate” the tragic circumstances of Ms McNally’s death.

Fiona McNally, who died on Saturday, pictured with one of her children, Lexie, who is now four
Fiona McNally, who died on Saturday, pictured with one of her children, Lexie, who is now four Fiona McNally, who died on Saturday, pictured with one of her children, Lexie, who is now four
The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann 
The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann  The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann 

Fr Paul Morely told those gathered that Fiona's death was a "terrible shock", adding that she was "beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend".

"Our hearts are broken, Fiona was loved by all and we will miss her so much," he said.

"We have lost such a beautiful, selfless person who did her best for everyone. Fiona was generous and caring and had a big heart.

"Her family have told me that her loud cackle of a laugh will live in their hearts forever. She will be remembered as `the big girl with the smile' and she is surely still smiling as she is in a place where there is no sorrow, no weeping and no pain, only the fullness of peace and joy with Jesus".

The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann 
The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann  The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann 

Fr Morely added: "When I saw the enormous number of Mass cards beneath Fiona’s coffin, I had a thought that Fiona is sleeping on a bed made by Mass cards and prayers.

In addressing her parents he added: "It shows the concern, love and support of others in this difficult time. We experience God’s care through others.

"God is sure that even in the absence of Fiona, Alice will mind these children. We also pray for you Alice, to face this sad situation with great courage and to live healthy to look after all your grandchildren".

The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann  
The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann   The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann  
The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann 
The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann  The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann 
The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann 
The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann  The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann 
The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann 
The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann  The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann 
The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann 
The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann  The funeral of mother-of-six Fiona McNally. Picture by Mal McCann