A County Armagh family has been left devastated after the passing of a young mother-of-two just 10 days after her father.
Rebecca Joy Muldrew passed away at home on Monday, with her loving family by her side.
The popular young Portadown woman, who was a born again Christian, was a daughter of Joy and William Irwin.
And her death is all the more heartbreaking given that it comes less than two weeks after her darling daddy’s passing.
Tributes have been paid to Rebecaa, who will be remembered for her deep Christian faith, her devotion to her family and her kindly, caring and compassionate nature.
A past pupil of Craigavon Senior High School, she went on to study nursing at Queen’s University in Belfast.
Rebecca’s family have been left heartbroken; she would have celebrated 10 years of marriage to her soulmate, Gary, next March.
A mum to seven-year-old Irwin and Faith (five), Rebecca was so highly thought of among her close-knit circle of family, friends and peers.
The Centre in Armagh, a Christia-based organisation based at Edenaveys, offered its condolences to Rebecca’s family.
“Our beautiful friend Rebecca has gone to be with her Saviour in glory, but words can’t begin to express how heartbroken we are,” they shared on social media.
“Rebecca has been a big part of The Centre team from the very beginning, always willing to help and loved a good clean up!
“She was always in the middle of the chat, craic, a good game and loved a laugh. Praying much for Gary, Irwin, Faith and the entire family circle.”
Both Rebecca and Gary are deeply involved in the Manifest Fellowship, a group which has been sharing God’s love and His healing power with others, staging weekly meetings locally – under the title ‘Fall for Jesus’ – most recently in Armagh Cricket Club.
Through this they both enjoyed seeing the power of God’s Word at work within the locally community and loved nothing more than seeing others come to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.
Local political representatives have also paid their own tributes.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said the news was “devastating” for the family coming so soon after her father’s death.
“Such a beautiful young woman who had so much to live for,” she said.
“Just so sad for her wee kids, husband, mummy and siblings. May they know God’s presence and comfort as they mourn the loss of Rebecca.”
Her DUP Upper Bann colleague, Jonny Buckley MLA, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the Muldrew and Irwin family. Only last week Rebecca’s father William was laid to rest.
“Please pray for the family and friends at this difficult time.”
Others have been paying tribute via social media.
One wrote: “No words. Thoughts and prayers with you all. Such a beautiful girl gone too soon.”
Another said: “It was an absolute joy to know Rebecca and her faith in God was truly inspiring.”
Yet one more posted: “Rebecca was a lovely girl and always had time for a chat. What a faithful servant she was and leaves a legacy behind.”
Rebecca’s funeral will take place on Thursday, with a service in Thomas Street Methodist Church in Portadown, at 3pm, followed by a private interment.
The same church was the venue for her father William’s funeral service on Monday of last week.
As in the case of Mr Irwin, donations in lieu of flowers following Rebecca’s passing are being accepted for Marie Curie, c/o George McNabb & Co, 106 Bridge Street, Portadown, BT63 5AP.
To her husband Gary, children Faith and Irwin, sisters Ruth Allen and Naomi Hunniford, brothers-in-law Tom and Victor, father-in-law Eric and mother-in-law Janice, brothers-in-law Simon, Ryan and Keith, and the entire family circle, deepest sympathy is extended at this time.
