Limavady solicitor pays tribute to mum

A relaxing winter break turned into tragedy just 24 hours after 88-year-old Mrs Jack arrived in Tenerife, when she fell on steps on the way to visiting a pharmacy on November 14.

“Mum spent the first twenty-four hours of her holiday with her very good friends, Sylvia Smyth and Dorothy Chandler in Tenerife. They have been her stalwart travelling companions over many years. It must have been such a dreadful shock for them to see their good friend grievously injured and taken off to hospital. Their faithful attendance in support of Mum in those difficult days must have been very trying for them and we are so grateful.”

Due to the seriousness of her injuries, Mrs Jack’s condition deteriorated and she passed away after spending a week on a life support machine in hospital.

Mrs Jack’s son, Peter told those who attended a reception at Castlerock Golf Club following her funeral on Sunday: “Today is a day of commemoration, of commiseration – but also of celebration. Mum had a great life, a great past and until a few weeks ago, a great present. Her future lies in those she left behind.”

Mr Jack told mourners his mum, who he said was “a proud Derry woman”, enjoyed an active social life, whether it was meeting friends for coffee, playing bridge, bowling or spending time at her beloved Castlerock Golf Club where along with her late husband, Arthur, they were life members. He spoke of his memories he and his brother Reid shared of their mum as children, and thanked all those who have supported the family in recent weeks, including the British Consulate in Gran Canaria.

Mr Jack said his mother was a proud grandmother to Rosanna, Hannah, Patrick and Mark.

“St Augustine said many centuries ago that the most important thing of all was, ‘To Love and to be Loved’. Mum was loved by all of us here and she returned that love tenfold,” said Mr Jack.