Tributes have been paid to “a beautiful young mum” following her sudden passing on Friday.
Heather Sarah Willis (née McCormick) passed away suddenly, but peacefully, in hospital surrounded by her loving family.
The dearly loved wife of Keith, and much loved and devoted mum of Noah, Ben, Poppy and Ruby, as well as the cherished daughter of the late Patricia and loving sister of Sharon and Lynsey.
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, led the tributes to the former Lurgan Junior High student.
“There are just no words,” she said. “A beautiful young mum, sister and aunty. The news of Heather’s passing really has rocked the entire community but none more so that her wee family.
“I just feel devastated for her husband, kids and her loving sisters. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know this family circle in recent years and honestly just broken for them. Praying God will undertake and carry them through the dark valley ahead.”
Sharon’s sister, Sharon, posted: “It wasn’t meant to end like this……You were the best mum, wife, auntie, sister and daughter. We love and miss you forever.”
A former teacher of Heather recalled: “I remember her so well. Such a lovely and mannerly girl who was a pleasure to teach. My sincere condolences to her husband, children and her lovely sisters.”
Lisnagarvey Hockey Club, posting an photo, added: “Our L4s observing a minute’s silence before their game today in honour of Heather Willis who passed away last night.
“Heather was a fantastic coach and volunteer of our P7 girls and mother of two of our youth members. On behalf of the whole Garvey community, we send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Willis family at this difficult time.”
Lagan Valley Vineyard paid tribute: “It is with heavy hearts that we share some sad news. Last night, our good friend Heather Willis died very unexpectedly. Heather was a cherished part of the LVV family, as are her husband Keith and their kids Noah, Ben, Poppy, and Ruby.
“Please hold the Willis family, as well as Heather’s wider family, in your hearts and prayers over the coming days.
“At times like these, we are reminded in the starkest of ways that death, mourning, crying, and pain are inevitable – but they are not eternal. In the midst of our grief and unanswered questions we look forward with faith, hope, and love to the day when God will make everything new.”
A Service of Thanksgiving will be held in Lagan Valley Vineyard Church, Altona Business, Park BT27 5QB on Tuesday, February 11 at 2.30pm (preceded by private burial).
Family flowers only please. Donations if desired may be made for Revive-ICU (Royal Victoria Hospital) c/o Malcomsons Funeral Service, 7 Robert Street, Lurgan, BT66 8BE.
Together with her husband, the couple ran the Willis Pharmacy group in Scotland. They opened their first pharmacy in Scotstoun in 2007 – three years after Keith graduated from Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University – before going to open up five more stores since.
