Following the bravest and most courageous of battles against motor neurone disease, Donna Sloan – a much-loved wife, mother and grandmother – passed away – died peacefully at her south Armagh home on Saturday.
Donna (née McCoy), was surrounded by her heartbroken family at her home in Belleeks.
She is remembered as the cherished wife of Anthony, devoted mother to Caoibhe, Ciara, Conor and Clíodhna, and a loving grandmother to Donnacha, Oisín and Méabh. She was also a dearly loved daughter of Tommy and Sheila and a treasured sister to Aisling, Cathal, Feilim, Seana and Dara.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of sadness across the area, where Donna became a symbol of strength, dignity and community spirit following her diagnosis with MND in March 2021.
Donna’s journey with the illness was marked by extraordinary bravery. As the disease progressed, she lost the ability to do what many of take for granted, yet throughout it all, Donna’s bravery never wavered.
Her husband Anthony previously described how Donna continued to inspire others even as her own world narrowed.
“Donna has a mountain to climb every day,” he said, words that resonated deeply with the entire community.
That support was powerfully demonstrated during the now-famous Climb for Donna fundraiser, when up to 1,800 people walked to the summit of Camlough Mountain in solidarity with the mum-of-four. Anthony described the day as “beyond our wildest dreams”, saying the community had “wrapped its arms around us and carried us along”.
Before her illness, Donna was widely respected for her work supporting others. She served as a volunteer co-ordinator with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and previously worked with the Women’s Health Initiative in Mullaghbawn, where she was known as a tireless advocate for marginalised individuals and groups.
“Donna loved working in the community,” Anthony said. “She didn’t like ticking boxes – she liked providing real services. She was a voice for people who had no voice.”
Donna’s remains will repose at her late residence, 9C Barr Road, Belleeks, on Monday and Tuesday from 11am to 9pm, with a one-way system and shuttle buses in place. Her funeral will take place on Wednesday morning, with Requiem Mass at St Laurence Church, Omeath, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Family flowers only have been requested, with donations in lieu, if desired, to the MND Association via https://donnasloan.muchloved.com or c/o Heaney Keenan Funeral Directors, 53 Patrick Street, Newry, BT35 8EB.
Donna Sloan will be remembered not only for her courageous fight against a cruel illness, but for a life defined by kindness, service and love. As one line shared by her family reflects: “Lie low to the wall until the bitter weather passes.”
