THE family of a woman from Armagh who died in Spain during the coronavirus pandemic say that repatriating her remains has helped bring them closure.
Pauline McKenna (60) died suddenly a fortnight ago in Cabo Roig near Alicante after suffering heart failure.
She had moved abroad around 18 months ago "to start a new life" following her husband's death.
With her death occurring amid the pandemic, it was thought Spanish authorities would carry out a cremation.
But following a request from the family, a judge permitted her body to be released for repatriation.
Her remains were returned via Dublin yesterday ahead of a private funeral today in Armagh.
She will be buried with her husband.
Mrs McKenna's older brother Adrain Clarke, vice-chairman of Pearse Óg GAA club, said he had been planning to visit her in Spain but this was cancelled due to the pandemic.
He thanked the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and Irish embassy for their help in bringing back his sister's remains.
"Trying to piece everything together has been very hard, especially with the lockdown," the 66-year-old said.
"But eventually we got there and we didn't expect Pauline to be home as quickly, within a fortnight.
"Which we're delighted about and to have her home and her remains home in a coffin, it's something for us. It lends to the closure.
"We will take her tomorrow and bury her with her husband.
"She's happy now. She's with her husband."
Mrs McKenna, who turned 60 last month, had worked in sales and administration at McLaughlin's catering firm in Armagh before her retirement.
Her husband Pearse died around five years ago.
Mr Clarke said she enjoyed the "relaxed pace of life" in Spain.
He said he was told his sister would probably be cremated in Spain due to the pandemic.
Mr Clarke requested for her body to be repatriated and the decision went before a judge.
"We were quite elated when we received news that Pauline would be returned," he said.
Paying tribute to his sister, Mr Clarke said she was a "very independent lady" and was "very brave" in moving abroad.
"She had made a great circle of friends. I was excited for her lifestyle and I was excited for her – it was refreshing," he said.
She enjoyed music, reading and "having people round her for conversation and craic".
"She would have followed the exploits of her nephews and nieces on the sporting field," Mr Clarke added.
Mrs McKenna had six sisters, including non-identical twin Bernadette, and two brothers.
Requiem Mass will take place at 10am in St Malachy's Church, with burial afterwards in St Patrick's cemetery.
The funeral will be private due to the coronavirus lockdown, but the Mass can be viewed online at armaghparish.net.
Mr Clarke said having the funeral with social distancing restrictions will feel "quite surreal to say the least, but we've accepted the situation for what it is".
He thanked those who have sent messages of condolence including "people leaving Mass cards at the door".
