Daughter, 11, pays beautiful tribute to beloved Limerick mum after her sudden death

“I MISS her so much and I carry her love in my heart every day,” said a brave 11-year-old girl, who spoke at the funeral Mass of her beloved mum after her sudden death.

Lydia O’Donoghue, aged 38, died in University Hospital Limerick, surrounded by her loving family, last Wednesday, April 23.

The young mum-of-four has been laid to rest after she tragically passed away after returning home to Limerick having undergone a procedure abroad. 

Her grieving family didn’t wish to speak about the circumstances of Lydia’s death but did confirm she passed away from “health complications non-related to University Hospital Limerick”.

There were heart-rending scenes as Lydia’s coffin was wheeled from Christ the King Church, Caherdavin on Monday while In the Arms of an Angel was sung. 

Lydia, of Caherdavin and formerly of Garryowen in Limerick city, and husband Jonathan raised four children Jamie, aged 20, Jason, 17, JJ, 13, and Annaleise, 11.

On the day Lydia died she had  reshared a video of daughter Annaleise’s Holy Communion, on TikTok, with the lyrics, “Sometimes I just look at you and think to myself how did I ever get so lucky, I'll never know”. 

READ MORE: 'She had a huge heart': Limerick family devastated at sudden death of beloved mum Lydia, 38

Annaleise was the first family member to speak at the funeral Mass, saying her mam had a great sense of style and she always looked so cool and confident.

“I admired how she carried herself. She had this incredible ability to light up a room and her laughter was contagious. She taught us all how to enjoy life and appreciate the little moments. 

“Even though she is not here with us anymore, I know her spirit will always be with us. I miss her so much and I carry her love in my heart every day,” said Annaleise.

Lydia was remembered as a wonderful mother who loved music and fashion and was always the life and soul of the party.

Next to speak was son Jason who said despite the sadness, he still feels extremely lucky that he got to spend 17 years with his beautiful mother who “gave me more love and support than I thought was possible”. 

“She will always be in my heart forever until the day I see her again,” said Jason.

Eldest son Jamie had only arrived in Lloret de Mar in Spain to celebrate his 20th birthday on the day his mum died. When he got the phone call of the terrible news, he said that’s when “the world came crumbling down”.

Jamie told the congregation he got a tattoo with the words “Forever in our hearts, Lydia” in Irish as his birthday and her anniversary are forever inextricably linked.

“Lydia was the light of our lives. Lydia was a woman that would erupt into song and dance at any moment and nobody would be surprised. She'd give you the socks off her feet. She was the most kind, caring and generous person. Me and the rest of your children will make you the proudest mother ever,” said Jamie.

He also spoke on behalf of his father Jonathan, who said Lydia made him so proud when she brought their beautiful children into the world.  

“You rest now my love, we will make you proud of us I promise. Lyd, I love you, I always have and I always will, until I see you again my gorgeous wife, love you always.”

Fr Patrick O’Sullivan, who celebrated the funeral Mass, said all funerals are sad but when someone as young as Lydia dies so suddenly it is a great shock to her family and people who knew her.

“We gather in shock and with much love for Lydia's family,” said Fr O’Sullivan, who expressed his sympathies to Jonathan, her children, parents and extended family.

The parish priest said they all had gathered in the same church for a happier day not long ago when Annaleise made her Confirmation.

Fr O’Sullian said Annaleise lit up the room and had time for everyone.

“When Lydia died so suddenly and so unexpectedly she was in good company as she travelled up to heaven with Pope Francis,” said Fr O’Sullivan, who also spoke of other family members who Lydia will be reunited with.

There have been hundreds upon hundreds of tributes paid on rip.ie and on social media in the days following Lydia’s sudden passing 

Jamie said: “We knew she was loved but I didn’t expect this much. 

“It just really showed us how much she meant to the community, everybody who knew her knew her as extremely kind, caring, hilarious and generous.”

Lydia's passing is very deeply regretted by her husband, four children, mother Caroline, father Christopher, sisters Jenny and Sarah, brothers Christopher and Jonathan and her large extended family including the O'Donoghue family and many kind friends.

 Red and black balloons - her favourite colours - were released in memory of Lydia outside her home in Lower Whitethorn Drive, Caherdavin  on Friday night.

 Lydia was laid to rest in  Mount St Oliver Cemetery.

May she rest in peace.