Aileen Finch: school pays tribute following death of 'much-loved' colleague in Markethill collision involving a lorry
Police have confirmed a woman has died after a collision involving a lorry in Armagh on Wednesday (December 3).
She was 54-year-old Aileen Finch from the Markethill area.
In a statement this evening (Friday, December 5), Chief Inspector Simpson, of the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Police received a report at around 10.20am of a collision involving a lorry and a female pedestrian in the Gosford Road area of Markethill.
“Officers and colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended the scene and the woman was taken to hospital, where she remained in a critical condition. However, she has since sadly passed away.
“Our enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 353 of 03/12/25.”
A Funeral Times notice says Aileen Finch was the dearly loved daughter of the late Norman and Mary Finch. Precious sister of Rodney, Hazel and Jeffrey and sister-in-law of Lorraine, Ronald and Lynda. Much-loved auntie of Melissa (Craig), Gareth (Sarah), Chloe, Cherith, Timothy (Carolyn), Kathryn, Lydia and Zoe.
A service of thanksgiving will be held in Markethill Presbyterian Church on Sunday (December 7) at 2.30pm.
The notice added: “Will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by the entire family circle.”
Meanwhile, Markethill Primary School has paid tribute to their much-loved colleague following the road tragedy.
In a social media post, the school said “we wish to extend our sincere condolences to Aileen Finch’s family, following her sudden and sad passing”.
The statement added: “Aileen was a much-loved member of the Markethill Primary School community. She entered school, always with a smile and a cheery hello. Nothing was ever a bother to Aileen, who willingly put her hand to whatever she was asked to do.
"The help and support Aileen offered to the Foundation Stage classes will be greatly missed. All of the boys and girls, as well as the staff, adored Aileen.
"We thank God for Aileen’s contribution to the life of Markethill Primary School. She will be remembered with love and affection.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Aileen’s brothers and sister, Rodney, Jeffrey, and Hazel, also her nieces and nephews, at this very sad time. We pray that Christ’s peace will surround them in the days ahead.”