A young Craigavon man has spoken of the void left in his family’s heart after his mum died on Saturday, aged just 38.
Carol (Carly) Sheridan (nee Higgins), a mother-of-three, passed away at her home in Ardowen after her “breathing and heart stopped”.
Her son Joshua Higgins, who has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to help with the funeral costs, said the family thought Saturday was “just another day”.
“She was looking forward to wearing her new clothes, going to her favourite shops with my dad and getting her breakfast but sadly that won’t be able to happen,” he wrote.
“She was a funny, caring, loving and strong woman who fought all her life through both mental and physical illness and fought harder than anyone I ever met.”
Joshua said that while his mum’s death was sudden, she had suffered from long Covid and serious illness.
“Covid-19 in my mind wore her down and, as a result, it wore both her body and her mind,” he added.
Mrs Sheridan was also mum to Brandon and Ariana and wife to Joseph.
Joseph told Armagh I that his wife was “the most amazing person, wife and mother with the most beautiful soul who always had time for people”.
He said she had a beautiful smile, loved life and colour and described the “honour and privilege of loving his wife, soulmate and best friend for 20 years”, even though “sadly 20 years is not enough”.
He added: We take comfort that she is no longer in pain or suffering. She, as well as us, would take comfort in knowing she was loved by and touched so many.”
Joshua said all donations would go towards covering the cost of her funeral.
“I completely understand times are hard but anything would help lessen the blow and alleviate the stress of my mum’s passing,” he said.
“I strongly believe that human goodness is shown when individuals are in need… She was an incredible woman who will be greatly missed and loved forever.”
Requiem mass will take place tomorrow (Thursday) in St. Anthony’s Church at 12 noon with burial afterwards in St. John’s Cemetery, Lylo.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so at www.gofundme.com/funeral-costs-for-carol-carly-higgins
