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A MUCH-loved Castlederg woman described by her family as their ‘Queen of Selfies’ has died after a year-long battle with cancer.
Gloria Aicken passed away peacefully in the NI Hospice last Wednesday, aged 49, surrounded by her devoted family.
Leading the tributes, her brother Alastair Patterson spoke movingly of the sister who meant ‘everything’ to those closest to her.
“She was a loving and caring person who was loved by everyone,” he said. “Gloria had the greatest smile and, within our family, she was known as the ‘Queen of Selfies’ – and they always had to be perfect.
“Sadly, ten months ago she was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Despite undergoing surgery in April last year, further investigations showed the cancer had spread. As a family, and as her big brother, we are absolutely heartbroken.
“She was so deeply loved by so many, and the outpouring of sympathy has brought great comfort to us. She will be greatly missed by us all.”
Growing up in Castlederg, she was educated at Bridgehill Primary School, Castlederg High School and Omagh College. Her career path took her from Johnston King Motors in Omagh to the Tyrone Constitution, before she settled into her role as Pensions and Payroll Manager at Belfast Harbour, where she worked for the past 15 years.
Mrs Aicken was a renowned Drum Major whose dedication to the pipe band tradition spanned decades. Competing alongside her brother, she became an Ulster and All-Ireland Champion and achieved the ultimate accolade when she was crowned World Champion Drum Major in 1993.
Together they performed with Eden Pipe Band, Quinn Memorial and Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Bands before both moving into roles as Drum Major adjudicators.
Their shared passion saw them serve side-by-side on the Mid Ulster Section Committee of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch, where Gloria also held the position of secretary for many years.
Beyond competition, Gloria was deeply involved in organising the Mid-Ulster Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships in Cookstown and was widely-respected for her commitment, fairness and warmth.
Twenty years ago, she married ‘her love and rock’, Brian. The couple wed on May 4, 2007, in Drumclamph Parish Church in Crew Bridge, Castlederg, and made their home in Finaghy, Belfast.
Gloria was also a faithful and active member of the Church of the Epiphany, Sicily Park, Belfast, where she served on the Select Vestry and as Treasurer.
It is there that her funeral will take place this Wednesday at 10.15am, followed by burial at Roselawn Cemetery.
Gloria is survived by her heartbroken husband Brian; her mother May; her brother Alastair (Olga); sisters Deborah (Alan) Gordon and Denise (Sam) Sayers; sisters-in-law Jennifer (Warran) Taylor and Pamela (Chris) Henderson. She was a much-loved aunt to Scott, Adam, Alison (William), Andrew, Leisa, Kristian, Lauren, Ruby and Quinn, and a proud great-aunt to Luca and Theo.
