Tributes have been paid to Mullaghbawn mum Marianne Tiernan, who has died aged 38, after speaking out about her experience of living with advanced breast cancer.
Mrs Tiernan, née McParland, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was the dearly loved wife of James and devoted mother of Teghan and Sarah. She was the daughter of the late Kieran and Marian, and a much-loved sister, sister-in-law, auntie and godmother.
Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins described Marianne as “the most beautiful girl inside and out” and said her loss would be felt throughout the community.
“Thinking of Marianne’s husband James, daughters, and entire family at this heartbreaking time,” she said. “Marianne had a lasting impact on so many people and the whole community will feel her loss deeply.”
Many others have shared tributes, remembering her as “one in a million” and praising the “mighty fight” she put up.
In May, Armagh I reported how Marianne’s experience of a Stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis had prompted renewed calls for improvements to cancer support services across Northern Ireland.
After previously battling cancer, she had spoken publicly about feeling abandoned and unheard when she learned her illness had returned. She chose to share her experience in the hope that others would not face the same difficulties.
Her story was raised at Stormont by Newry and Armagh MLA Aoife Finnegan, who called for patients to be treated with dignity and compassion and to be listened to from the moment of diagnosis.
On Friday evening, less than 24 hours before her death, a message shared on Marianne’s behalf thanked the local community for its support after she was nominated for a Fundraising Award at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Chairperson’s Civic Awards. Bernie and Rosie accepted the award on her behalf.
The message described the recognition as “a beautiful reminder of the support that surrounds us”.
Marianne is reposing at her home at 68A Maphoner Road, Mullaghbawn, where visitors are welcome from 6pm to 10pm on Saturday, and from noon to 10pm on Sunday and Monday.
Her funeral will leave her home at 12.15pm on Tuesday, November 17, for Requiem Mass at 1pm in St Mary’s Church, Mullaghbawn. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery.
The family has requested that the house be private on the morning of the funeral.
“Marianne will be remembered with love, missed beyond words.”
May she rest in peace.
