A County Armagh councillor has led the tributes to her “beautiful mum” and “biggest supporter” as colleagues moved to offer their condolences after her sudden passing.
Rosmund Evans passed away suddenly at home at Cedar Wood in Bleary on Tuesday.
She had long associations with the Ulster Unionist Party, with the party confirming its intentions to close its Upper Bann constituency office on Thursday and Friday as a mark of respect.
Mrs Evans, who was predeceased by her husband, Mark, is described in a death notice as the “dear Mother of Simon, David and Katherine, Mother-in-law of Nicola and Kathy and much loved Grandmother of Danii, Sophie, Leo, Olly and Charlotte”.
Daughter Kate, a councillor for the Craigavon DEA, paid a very emotional and beautifully poignant tribute on social media, saying: “Today my heart is broken in ways I never knew were possible.
“My beautiful mum has passed away, and I truly don’t know how I’m supposed to navigate this world without her in it.
“She wasn’t just my mum she was my world. My safe place. My biggest supporter. The one person who always knew how to make everything feel okay, no matter how hard life got. Her love was constant, unconditional, and pure. I was so lucky to be loved by her.
“I don’t know how I will cope without hearing her voice, seeing her smile, or feeling her hugs. The world feels so much quieter and heavier now.
“But I promise to carry her with me in everything I do. In my strength, in my kindness, in my love for others, that’s all her. She made me who I am, and I will forever be proud to be her child.
“Mum, I love you more than words could ever say. Thank you for being my everything. Until we meet again.”
Ulster Unionist colleague on ABC Council, Councillor Julie Flaherty offered her “heartfelt condolences at this incredibly difficult time” to her friend and all of the Evans family.
“The loss of a mother is profound, and especially so when it comes without warning,” she said. “Having known Kate for over 10 years, I know how devoted she is to her family. I extend my sincere condolences to Kate and her wider family at this very difficult time. Kate, I hope you can find comfort in the love and support around you in the days ahead.”
Other councillors from across different parties also offered their condolences and support, as did Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie.
He confirmed the two-day closure of the party office as a “mark of respect after the sudden and unexpected death of our friend and colleague Rosmund Evans”.
The Ulster Unionist MLA took to social media to voice his sadness and support.
“No words will ever ease the anguish of a love lost or the harsh reality that you will never see that person again in this world,” said Mr Beattie. “Yet the grief may be eased by the joy you had just to say you knew them, you loved them, you supported and were supported by them, to have had them in your life, and to call them mum.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Cllr Kate Evans, her daughter Danii, and the wider Evans family at this extremely sad time.”
Mrs Evans funeral service will take place to St Mark’s Parish Church in Portadown this Saturday, February 28, at 12noon, followed by interment in Kernan Cemetery.
Family and friends are welcome at the ‘Old Meeting House’ on Friday, from 6pm to 8pm.
The family have requested no flowers, but said donations if desired will be received and accepted for Craigavon Cardiac Care Association, c/o Alan Wray & Co. Funeral Directors, ‘The Old Meeting House’, 24a Portmore Street, Portadown BT62 3NG.
