Mourners gathered at St Patrick’s Church in Banbridge for the funeral of murdered mum Jayne Toal Reat this afternoon (Thursday).
The 43-year-old, who grew up in the town, was brought ‘home’ following her brutal murder in Lisburn on Christmas Day.
Canon Liam Stevenson spoke of how the entire community were shocked following Jayne’s tragic and untimely death.
Jayne grew up on Dromore Street in Banbridge and helped out at her grandmother’s sweet shop for many years.
She attended St Mary’s Primary School before going on to study at St Patrick’s College.
She then went on to marry Simon and gave birth to her only daughter Charlotte whom she remained extremely close to, developing a tight-knit mother-daughter bond, right up until her death.
After giving birth to Charlotte, Jayne went back to university to study mental health nursing – a career she forged out at the Bluestone Unit in Craigavon.
In recent years Jayne had moved to Lisburn to spend time with her partner Joseph Tweedie – who was also injured in the Christmas Day attack.
Canon Stevenson told the congregation: “Charlotte and the family have received many messages of support and comfort.
“They are glad to see so many friends today at this Requiem Mass. Charlotte really appreciates the kindness of so many people at this extremely sad time and acknowledges their loyalty and sympathy.”
Nathan Ward, the son of Jayne’s partner, appeared in court last Friday charged with her murder and the attempted murder of Charlotte and his dad Joseph.
District Judge Rosie Watters remanded him into custody to appear again at Lisburn Court on January 8 via videolink.
Read more: Upsetting scenes in Craigavon Court as Jayne Toal Reat murder accused appears in dock
