By 
TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of Killyclogher woman Noreen McBride, a much-loved and respected member of the community, who has died aged 94.
Mrs McBride passed away on Saturday at Knockmoyle Care Facility. Her funeral Mass was celebrated this week in St Mary’s Church, Killyclogher.
In his homily, parish priest Fr Kevin McElhennon said many people had been touched by her kindness, steadiness and faith.
A native of Carndonagh, Co Donegal, Mrs McBride worked for decades as a nurse in the Omagh area.
“Noreen lived with tremendous dignity,” Fr McElhennon said. “She was a woman elegant to her fingertips, and she lived with purpose.
“Her life was shaped by giving herself in service. She knew the demands of caring for the vulnerable, professionally and within her family. She nursed her father and mother-in-law with the same dedication she gave her patients.
“She listened well and was generous with her time. Her elegance – in dress, in manner, in how she treated people – was never for show, but out of respect for herself and others.”
Fr McElhennon said that while Noreen endured deep sorrow, including the loss of her eldest son Peter, she remained anchored in faith.
“She was, in every way, the matriarch – the one who steadied and kept the family united and strong.
“Family gatherings were the heartbeat of her life. Easter Sunday meant the traditional Easter egg hunt, a treasured tradition passed through generations.”
Mrs McBride was also a proud member of the Killyclogher Seniors Club and valued her role within it.
What mattered most, Fr McElhennon added, were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mrs McBride was predeceased by her husband Dessie and son Peter, and is survived by her children Loretta (Brendan), Mark (Geraldine) and Joan (Seamus), as well as her wider family circle.
