'Everyone was glad to see her; she was a jokey, smiley person': Tributes to tragic Moneymore woman Ann Marshall, who died in road accident
Tragic Ann Marshall has been paid tribute to as a huge loss to the community of Moneymore, where she was widely known with a large circle of friends.
A popular figure in the area, a wife and mother of two, Ann died in road accident in the Cookstown area yesterday morning. Since then, tributes have been paid across the local community, with UUP councillor Trevor Wilson describing her as “very well-known; she was one of those smiley, jokey people and everyone was glad to see her”.
“The whole community is in shock,” he told the News Letter. “She was very popular; everyone knew her and knows her family.
“Ann worked in a local supermarket, having spoken to some of her colleagues I know they have all been devastated by yesterday’s news.
“She had a wide circle of friends and is a huge loss to the community of Moneymore – but through all this, the people bearing the brunt of the tragedy are of course her family.”
A funeral notice for Ann, nee McNicholl, describes her as the “beloved wife of Gerald and devoted mother of Brendan and Michael, cherished sister of Seamus, Kathleen Donnelly, Patrick, Mary Gervin, Anthony, Paula Heagney and the late baby Angela who died in infancy, daughter of the late Phil and Anna McNicholl and daughter-in-law of the late Joseph and Eileen Marshall”.
The notice adds she is “deeply regretted and lovingly missed by her husband, sons, sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and her wider family circle”.
Funeral details are to follow.
The group Road Victim Support Northern Ireland-Donegal stated it is “deeply saddened to learn” of her death, adding its “heartfelt condolences go to Ann’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved her”.
Stated the support group: “The sudden loss of a loved one brings profound shock and grief, and no one should have to face such heartbreak alone. Please know that [we are] here to support you in any way we can, both emotionally and practically, during this incredibly difficult time.
“We also extend our sincere thanks to the emergency services and first responders who attended the scene with care and professionalism.
“Ann’s loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.”
Both of Ann’s sons used to play for a Gaelic Athletic Club, Henry Joy McCracken's Moneymore. Its committee, members and players issued their condolences to the family.
In a statement on social media, the grieving club said: “Ann, the beloved wife of Gerald and devoted mother of former players Brendan and Michael, was well known and respected by everyone in the Moneymore and Cookstown areas.
“Our club and community are in deep shock at this sad news bestowed on us today, and our thoughts and prayers are very much with the family at this most difficult of times.
“Our deepest sympathies are with Gerry, Brendan and Michael and all the entire Marshall and McNicholl families on their sudden and tragic bereavement.”