Earthquake victim Julielaid to rest

Mrs Wong, nee Johnston, was a former pupil of Wallace High School and emigrated to New Zealand five years ago, where she lived with her husband David and four-year-old son Ethan.

Mrs Wong, who was in her mid-thirties and worked in the financial services industry, was believed to have been in the Pyne Gould Guinness building at the time and had been missing since the earthquake devastated Christchurch on February 22.

Last week New Zealand police confirmed that Mrs Wong was among those who died and her funeral was held on Tuesday morning (March 15) in New Zealand.

Her parents, who still live in Northern Ireland, were sadly unable to travel to New Zealand for the funeral, which was attended by her only sister Carol, who also lives in New Zealand, as well as other close family friends.

Julie’s father and mother Mr Robin and Mrs Eunice Johnston paid tribute to their daughter.

“Julie was a wonderful daughter, a loving wife and a caring mother,” they said. “In her short life she was a joy and inspiration not just to her family and friends but to everyone who knew her. We are so sad that her life has been cut short along with so many others in this tragic way but find strength in our Christian faith that was such a part of Julie’s life too. We know that everything is in God’s hands. We would encourage everyone to pray for all those linked by this awful earthquake that they would know comfort and healing at this difficult time. We also convey our thanks to the many people who have shown their love for us, Julie, Carol, David and Ethan, both at home and in New Zealand, and to all involved in practically responding when disaster struck.”

Lisburn Councillor Andrew Ewing, who was in the same year as Mrs Wong at Wallace High School, paid tribute to his former classmate. “Julie was a very popular individual at school who always had a smile,” said Mr Ewing. “This is devastating news.

“I have been in contact with school friends from Wallace High who are deeply saddened by the news and although it has been quite a number of years since we were all at school together it is a big shock to us all and we remember Julie so well.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family circle at this time,” he added.

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