Derry Death Notices - Sunday, March 9, 2025

The following deaths have occurred:-

• Alan Deans, Groves End Gardens, Coleraine

• Nora Mae Haran Donaghey, Derry

• Patrick John (Paddy) Friel, Ardmore, Derry

• Samuel George Ivor Hamilton, Antrim (formerly of Derry)

• Elizabeth (Lila) McKeegan Madden (née Doherty), 44 Gortin Manor, Newbuildings

Alan Deans, Groves End Gardens, Coleraine

The death has occurred of the late Alan Deans, Died March 7 2025, late of Groves End Gardens, Coleraine. Peacefully at Antrim Area Hospital. Loving Husband of Stephanie and devoted father of Ann Marie. Brother of Noelle Holmes and Alison Buchanan. Brother-in-law of Kenny Holmes and Derek Buchanan. Uncle of Richard and Stephen Holmes, William Buchanan and Judith McCombe. Beloved son of the late Bertie and Anna Deans. Alan is reposing in J. A. Gormley’s Funeral Home, 24 Clofyin Road, Coleraine on Monday, March 10 2025 from 1.00pm to 4.00pm and Tuesday, March 11 2025 from 1.00pm to 4.00pm. All welcome. Graveside committal on Wednesday, March 12 arriving at St. Michael's Churchyard, Donagheady at approx. 12noon. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired to St. Michael’s Parish, Donagheady.

Nora Mae Haran Donaghey, Derry

Our precious little princess Nora Mae Passed away March 6 2026, peacefully in the arms of mummy and daddy at the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. Watched over and cared for attentively by your big brother Regin and the most amazing selfless and unconditionally kind staff who became like family of the children’s hospice. Your little hands so soft and still, I held them in my own, Whilst wishing we had more than just a handprint coming home. I studied every nail and line and every inch of you, And cried for all the things your little hands would never do. I’d never get to clean your hands, there’d be no messy play, l’d never see your fingers point to things you’d try to say.? I’d never hear the sound they’d make whilst splashing in the bath, Or how they’d cover up your lips whilst trying not to laugh. I wish so much I could have taught you how to write your name, Or watched your little hands outstretched to play a catching game. Your little hands would never feel a scrape or gain a scar, Nor would they play an instrument or learn to drive a car. Your little hands, my little hands, forever left unchanging, No exploring, falling, climbing, drawing and no ageing, My only wish for you and I is that we had more time, ’Cause I could have spent forever with your little hands in mine. You were everything we dreamed of our shining light after such darkness you touched every heart that held you and we are so greatful for each and every moment you allowed us to have with you. Where ever you are our love will find you forever our Disney princess Miss Nora Mae loved forever Daddy Mummy and big brothers angel Reuben Ray and Regin Thomas x. Wake Sunday, March 9 at family home between the hours of 1.00pm and 5.00pm all welcome. Funeral arrangements: Church of the Immaculate Conception, Trench Road on Monday at 10.15am, Burial in Ballyoan Cemetery to follow family wish if people could wear something pink for funeral in memory of Nora Mae we would be very grateful thank you.

Patrick John (Paddy) Friel, Ardmore, Derry

The death has taken place of the late Patrick John (Paddy) Friel, March 7 2025, peacefully at Cornfield Care Centre, Limavady, beloved husband of Celine (formerly of Chapel Road) loving father of Katharine, Pat, Stephen, Kevin, Eunan, Joanne, Paula, Vincent, John and the late Paul, a much loved grandfather-great-grandfather and dear brother of Moira, Eamon, Monica, Dolores and the late Aine. His remains will be reposing in his daughter’s home, 13 Ardfada, Ardmore, on Sunday from 12noon – 10.00pm. Funeral from there on Monday at 9.30am for 10o’clock Requiem Mass in St Mary’s Church, Ardmore. Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.

Samuel George Ivor Hamilton, Antrim (formerly of Derry)

The death has taken place of Ivor Hamilton at his home in Antrim. We have just lost a big brother. We all have different memories of him. As we too will soon be memories to others. Farewell! Samuel George Ivor Hamilton, formerly of 4 Asylum Road, Derry. May You Rest in Peace. Fondly remembered with love by his brothers, Allen, Robert (Australia), and sisters Sylvia, Margaret, Anne and Charlotte.

Elizabeth (Lila) McKeegan Madden (née Doherty), 44 Gortin Manor, Newbuildings

The death has occurred of the late Elizabeth (Lila) McKeegan Madden (née Doherty), March 7 2025, Peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital (surrounded by her loving family) much loved wife of James and the late Johnny McKeegan, devoted mum of Naomi, Michael and Elizabeth, dearest step-mum of Valerie, Sandra and Yvonne, loving mother-in-law of Cindy and Dessie, adored granny and great-granny, cherished sister of Maureen and Elma, a dear sister-in-law and aunt. Funeral leaving her late home, 44 Gortin Manor, Newbuildings on Monday, March 10 at 2.00pm followed by a Service of Thanksgiving for her life in St. James’ Parish Church, Donemana at 2.30pm, burial afterwards in the adjoining churchyard. Family flowers only, donations in lieu to St. James’ Parish Church c/o Mrs Heather Hamilton, 105, Bond’s Glen Road, Killaloo, Derry, BT47 3SY. Everyone is welcome to call at the family home from 11.00am to 9.00pm. Very deeply regretted and will be lovingly remembered her entire family. “Nearer my God to Thee”