The public has rallied around the daughter of Bernadette Connolly offering their support ahead of her funeral.
The beloved Dublin mum’s body was recovered from a beach in Blackpool on Thursday, more than eight weeks after she vanished.
Heartbroken daughter Jade had been leading a massive operation to find the 45-year-old from Swords, and kept the public updated on her efforts via social media.
She confirmed the devastating news that her mum had been found on Instagram, saying it’s a “tragedy that no family should ever have to bear”.
Funeral arrangements have now been announced for Bernadette. Her funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, March 9 at St Cronan’s Church in Brackenstown, with removal afterward to Dardistown Crematorium. The mass will be live streamed through the church webcam.
The death notice reads: “CONNOLLY, Bernadette (Swords) - January 7, 2022. Taken too soon and deeply missed by her loving daughter Jade, Jade's partner Dillin, her heartbroken parents Patrick and Nuala, brothers Des and Anthony, sister Madeline, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.”
The public have been paying their sympathies to Bernadette’s family, and in particular her daughter Jade who is being praised for her incredible strength.
“To dearest Jade and family. We all followed this story and prayed mum would come home safely. You are an absolute trooper for giving your everything. Tg Mum is home to ye and pg she'll watch over you all. Rip Bernadette,” one mother from Cork wrote on RIP.ie.
Another person from Lusk said: “To dear Jade on the passing of your mam. You shared your beautiful Bernie with the people of Ireland, who prayed so hard for a different outcome. You have found her and she will always be around you and grateful for your love and strength in keeping her light alive.
“Know that you, Bernie's parents, sister and brothers are still surrounded with the love of those who prayed continuously for your beloved Bernie. We walked with you in our hearts. Her legacy is you Jade, she would be very proud. May she rest in eternal peace.”
A daughter from Dublin posted: “Jade and Family, I cannot begin to imagine what you’re all going through. I prayed so much for you to be reunited with Bernadette and thought of you all every single day.
“The fight you fought for your mothers return and the strength you had every day Jade, was incredible. I’m so sorry this happened to your beautiful Mam and I’ll continue to pray for you and your family, to be able to continue on and have a good life.
“You have the most beautiful angel to ever exist looking over you and to guide you along and to be there for you wherever you need her. I was and still am so upset for you all. I really wished for a better outcome in this horrific situation.
“Can you imagine how proud she would be of you, bringing a whole nation together and rooting for her safe return… you’re one in a million Jade & going by all you said about your beautiful mam, it’s clear she was too. You owe it to yourself to mind you and take care of you now. It’s what she’d want & to see that gorgeous smile back on your face.
“Sending you all, all the love & hugs in the world. I really am so so sorry this happened to you & your family. Let her live on through all your memories.”
