Staff at The Irish News have been devastated to learn of the death of Lorraine McCarthy, a cherished colleague since 1998 who was "loved by everyone" who encountered her.
A valued part of the front office team, she was often the first to provide a warm welcome for visitors at the front door, as well as being a source of comfort for those placing family notices.
After becoming unwell recently, she passed away peacefully in Antrim Area Hospital on Friday morning surrounded by her family.
She is survived by her husband Brian, who was also a long-serving staff member at The Irish News, and children Damian and Gemma.
Her passing follows the tragic recent deaths of two other colleagues from illness – production journalist Dawn Egan and photographer and former champion boxer Hugh Russell, who had both been with the paper for four decades.
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Irish News editor Noel Doran described Lorraine as "a wonderful person who cared deeply for her colleagues in all departments of the paper".
"She was also an outstanding member of staff, who facilitated everyone who contacted the front desk of The Irish News, often in difficult circumstances, with total professionalism and empathy. Our sincere sympathy goes out to her family."
IntoMedia CEO Dominic Fitzpatrick said: “Everyone at the Irish News is devasted by the loss of Lorraine and our deepest condolences go out to her husband Brian, a former Irish News colleague of 43 years, and her children Damian and Gemma.
“Lorraine has been an integral part of our team since 1998, and for many, she was the friendly face that welcomed you into our building. She was so full of warmth and loved by everyone she worked with, but also, by the many people who came through our doors.”
Having spent more than 25 years handling family notices, Mr Fitzpatrick added: “Lorraine was a source of comfort for so many during difficult times. Her compassion and support touched the lives of countless people.
“The loss of Lorraine, along with two other dear colleagues, Hugh Russell and Dawn Egan, has been heartbreaking for everyone here. During the last conversation Lorraine had with Hugh’s wife Cathy, she said she would see her at Hugh’s month’s mind. It is difficult to believe she has passed away the day before it.”
Sales Operations Manager Colette Donnelly also said Lorraine "was not only a colleague but a great friend".
“I had the privilege of working alongside Lorraine for more than two decades, and I witnessed first-hand the special and compassionate way in which she supported our customers, especially those who were grieving.
“Not only was she exceptional at her job, but her kindness and witty humour made her a friend to all. Our lives will be less full without her.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to Lorraine’s family in these challenging days ahead.”
Others paying tribute to Ms McCarthy included the Naomh Séamas CLG in Crumlin, where Ms McCarthy’s brother Paul is club chairman as well as having a niece as senior ladies coach and two nephews as senior players.
“We offer our sincere sympathy to the entire McCarthy family at this difficult time,” the message read.
Lorraine's funeral will be held at the Holy Cross Church, in Ardoyne, on Tuesday, November 14, at 11am with burial afterwards in Milltown Cemetery.
