Woman who died whilst swimming in Helen's Bay was 'a vibrant lady who had warmth and enthusiasm in bucketloads'

She was from the Carryduff area.

Her death notice on Funeral Times says ‘Died 24th January 2026, doing what she loved’.

It adds that she is the ‘dearly loved wife of Chris, much loved mum of Matthew, Ruth, Stephanie and John, loving mother-in-law and devoted grandma’.

‘Following a private committal, a Service of Celebration will be held in Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church on Wednesday 4th February 2026 at 12 noon.

‘The family would encourage floral/colourful attire to be worn for the service,’ it adds.

‘May she rest in peace and keep swimming in heaven,’ finished the death notice.

Tributes from friends included:

• ‘Our paths crossed many years ago through work. A vibrant lady who had warmth and enthusiasm in bucketloads.

  Condolences to the family. A great loss.’

• ‘My wife worked with Rosa over the last several years. She was a lady who was full of joy and love for her family (especially her grandchildren) and all that she knew.

  Thinking of the family and friends at this difficult time’

• ‘A true lady, one of my mums best friends. Deepest sympathies and my prayers are with her family and those close to her, at this sad time. xx’

• ‘An incredible lady who will be sorely missed by all who were blessed to have known her. Thoughts and prayers to her lovely family at this terrible time’

• ‘Wonderful effervescent Rosa. My deepest sympathies’

• ‘Very sad. She was so young and full of life. Condolences from a fellow swimmer…….swimming pools more often than the sea.’

A PSNI spokesman said on Saturday: “Police can confirm a woman, aged in her 60s has died following a report of a concern for safety in the Helens Bay area on Saturday afternoon, January 24th.

“Police received a report that the Coastguard had removed three people from the water.

"One woman was taken to hospital where sadly she has since died. Her death is not being treated as suspicious.”