'Lynn Murray was a really strong woman with a real zeal for life' - Funeral hears she left behind a 'legacy of love and commitment'

Tributes were paid to Lynn, married to Gary Murray – who lost his 13-year-old sister Leanne in the 23 October 1993 Shankill bombing – who was always seen by his side at victims events.

Pastor Mark Gordon, of Shiloh Christian Fellowship in Bangor said the whole ‘thrust of the funeral service was how Lynn was a really strong woman with a real zeal for life even though she faced her own challenges, but was resilient and always bounced back’.

‘But sadly on this occasion she was not able to,’ he added.

Pastor Gordon said the church was ‘packed to capacity with people standing outside as well which is also testament to how highly she was thought of in the community’.

‘From a Christian point of view, I spoke about how God does not take a life without before devising a means whereby his exiled ones can be restored to him,’ said Pastor Gordon.

‘I was explaining that God did not take Lynn’s life without her first being restored to him. So we live and then we go back to God,’ he added.

‘This was helping the family to understand that this was not the end and there is hope’.

‘Lynn’s family paid beautiful tributes and Gary stood with them as they did that to help them,’ added Pastor Gordon.

‘Lynn was also close to Gary’s mother Gina Murray. They were both Board members on at Kilkooley Women’s Centre.

‘Lynn was very much involved in the cross-community cross-border work they did in Londonderry and Dublin’.

The Pastor added: ‘There is no doubt that Lynn has left a legacy behind of love in her family and the commitment she gave to her community.

‘She was a volunteer with so many things and she will be greatly missed.

‘She was a lovely girl who faced her challenges in life but always bounced back. I conducted their wedding in 2013’.

A death notice on funeraltimes.com said that Lynn ‘died peacefully surrounded by family on 1st January 2026’

She is described as the ‘loving wife of Gary, devoted mother to Ashley, Toni, Brandon & Courtney’ and ‘cherished daughter of Joe & Ethne Brown’.

She is also described as a ‘much loved granny to Emilia, Kayla, Zara, Hollie, Kelsey, Avaya & Oscar’.

The service of Thanks Giving took place at Melville Morgan Funeral Directors on 12th January followed by committal at Clandeboye Cemetery.

In an earlier message on social media, heartbroken Gary Murray from Bangor – whose 13-year-old sister Leanne was murdered in the 23 October 1993 bombing – told of his enormous loss.

‘I really don't know how to say this,’ he says.

‘As most of of all our friends know.

‘My wee wife Lynn Murray has passed away peacefully at the ulster hospital over this weekend’.

He adds: ‘I’m so so sorry I have not got back to anybody.

‘Myself and my wee family just needed time to process what was going on.

‘We the Murray/Brown family's would like to thank each and every one of our friends who have put up on our walls on social media and sent us all private messages on Facebook.

‘My Lynn was a power house of a woman who will never be forgot. Thank u everyone once again xxxxxx’.

A message from Wave Trauma Centre on social media says: ‘Our thoughts are very much with Gary Murray and his family on the loss of his beloved wife Lynn who died on the 1st of January 2026.

‘Over the years Lynn was a tremendous support to Gary and his mum Gina following the loss of Gary’s sister Leanne in the Shankill bomb in October 1993. When Gary spoke of Lynn it was always with love and admiration.

‘She had been instrumental in getting Gina involved in Kilcooley Women’s Group and it was there Lynn went to when she took ill again recently.

‘By all accounts Lynn looked after everyone and Gina would have spoken about how Lynn had supported her through her own journey with cancer. Sadly, Gina passed away from cancer in October 2024. And now Lynn just 15 months later.

‘To Gary and his children Ashley, Toni, Brandon & Courtney our heartfelt condolences. Also to Lynn’s parents Joe & Ethne Brown and her siblings David, Sandra and Susan. She was also a much loved super granny to Emilia, Kayla, Zara, Hollie, Kelsey, Avaya & Oscar.’

‘May Lynn rest in peace. Such a courageous lady who was much loved and will never be forgotten.’