Northern Ireland

Sister of murdered Lyra McKee describes heartache at losing mother

Lyra McKee's mother Joan McKee and sister Nichola McKee-Corner. Picture by Journalists' Charity/PA Wire
Lyra McKee's mother Joan McKee and sister Nichola McKee-Corner. Picture by Journalists' Charity/PA Wire Lyra McKee's mother Joan McKee and sister Nichola McKee-Corner. Picture by Journalists' Charity/PA Wire
By Suzanne McGonagle

A SISTER of murdered writer and activist Lyra McKee has described her heartache at losing her mother almost a year after the killing, but said her "heart is comforted knowing that you are together again".

Joan McKee (Lawrie), a mother-of-six from north Belfast, passed away peacefully in hospital on Tuesday.

Lyra's older sister, Nichola McKee-Corner, announced her mother's death in a Facebook post.

"It is with the greatest sadness that I share this. My mother, Joan Lawrie, passed away peacefully in hospital on 10th March," she said.

"She is now at peace with her beloved daughter Lyra McKee."

Ms McKee-Corner said the death of her sister had had a profound effect on her mother.

"They killed her the day they killed her precious baby girl," she said.

"Mom, give our darling Lyra a huge hug and a million kisses from us. Love you both forever and always.

"My heart is comforted knowing that you are together again. Always in my heart. Love you Mom xoxoxoxo."

Another tweet from a relative said: "My wee mother-in-law, passed away last night of a broken heart. Unable to live without her baby Lyra.

"My wee mother-in-law whom I loved with all my heart, I will love you to beyond eternity.

"Mother and daughter rest in forever peace."

Lyra (29), who had been her disabled mother's main carer, was shot dead by a dissident republican gunman during rioting in the Creggan area of Derry on April 18 last year.

Her funeral was attended by then British prime minister Theresa May, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President Michael D Higgins at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast.

The death of Lyra's mother, less than a year after her daughter had passed away, was last night described as a "tragedy after a tragedy".

Tributes have been paid to her, including a message from Ann Travers, whose sister Mary was shot dead in 1984 by the IRA.

She wrote on Twitter: "This is the saddest news. Joan and Lyra were so close.

"Lyra was always thinking about her mummy putting her first. She was a wonderful lady who was so much fun. The day she lost Lyra, her spark went out."

UUP MLA Robbie Butler said: "It’s hard to comprehend that in a country that’s come so far since 1998, there still remains evil hard hearted individuals and groups that would celebrate and gladly deliver such dastardly monstrous consequences on other human beings.

"RIP Joan I hope you find peace with Lyra."

Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International wrote on Twitter: "Heartbreaking for Lyra McKee's family today, on the sad news of her mother's death".

Ms Lawrie is survived by her children Gary, Joan, Nichola, David and Mary.