Derry Death Notices - Tuesday, January 20, 2026

The following deaths have occurred:-

• Yvonne Bloomer (née Rea), Seahaven Park, Portstewart

• William (Bill) (Papa) Davidson, 88 Shandon Park, Derry

• John (Johnnie) Diver, 25 Coneyburrow, Strathfoyle

• Jeanette Doherty (née McCarron), Derry

• Matthew Thomas Gracey, 140 Drumbolg Road, Upperlands, Maghera

• Ann Heaney (née Clarke), 19 Ardnabrocky, Drumahoe

• Patrick Joseph (Pat) Orr, Limavady

• James Vincent McCarron, Derry

• Brigid (Bridie) McCloskey (née McGonagle), 16 Liscloon Drive, Shantallow, Derry

• Sinead McCracken, 382 Seacoast Road, Bellarena

• James McGilligan, 75 Limavady Road, Tamneymore, Garvagh

• Kathleen McMenamin (née Robson), 12 Cliftonville Avenue, Derry

• William Desmond (Willie) Steele, Limavady

Yvonne Bloomer (née Rea), Seahaven Park, Portstewart

It is with deep regret we announce the passing of Yvonne Bloomer (née Rea), January 17 2026, peacefully at hospital, late Seahaven Park, Portstewart and formerly of Millbank Avenue, Portstewart. Dearly loved wife of the late Harry, much loved mother of Stephen and Andrew, mother-in-law of Fiona and Mandy, a loving nana to 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. House Strictly Private. Thanksgiving Service in Agherton Parish Church, Portstewart, on Wednesday, January 21 at 1.30pm, followed by interment in Portstewart Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations, if wished, to Agherton Parish Church, c/o Hugh Wade & Son, 3 Upper Abbey Street, Coleraine, BT52 1BF or online at hughwadefuneraldirectors.com. Lovingly remembered by all her family and friends.

William (Bill) (Papa) Davidson, 88 Shandon Park, Derry

The death has occurred of the late William (Bill) (Papa) Davidson, January 19 2026, peacefully at home, 18 Shandon Park. Beloved husband of the late Isobel, loving father of Russell, dear father-in-law of Tricia and devoted papa of Klara (Keith), Rebecca (Ciaran), Lauren, Russ (Rebecca) and Beth and great grandfather of Aria, Clodagh, Zach, Indie, Lochlan and Arlo. Funeral leaving his home at 9.30am on Wednesday, January 21 for 10.00am Mass in St Patrick’s Pennyburn Chapel followed by burial in The City Cemetery. Visitors are welcome to call at the family home from 12noon - 9.00pm. Deeply regretted by his loving family circle. Safe in the arms of Jesus.

John (Johnnie) Diver, 25 Coneyburrow, Strathfoyle

The death has taken place of John (Johnnie) Diver, January 18 2026, peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital, beloved husband of Margaret, loving father of Sean, Liam, Brian, Julie, Stephen and Gary, a devoted father-in-law and grandfather and dear brother of Neil, Noel, Tony and the late Willie, Patsy, Mary, Martin and Josie. His remains will be reposing in his home, 25 Coneyburrow, Strathfoyle. Funeral from there on Wednesday at 10.45am for 11.15am Requiem Mass in St Oliver Plunkett’s Church, Strathfoyle. Interment afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery, Ardmore. Family time please from 10.00pm to 11.00am. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.

Jeanette Doherty (née McCarron), Derry

The death has taken place of Jeanette Doherty (née McCarron), January 19 2026, peacefully, after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family at Altnagelvin Hospital, beloved wife of Damien, loving mother of Gemma and Aidan, dear mother-in-law to Anthony and Charlotte, devoted grandmother of Eilidh, Lyra, Rye and Annie, dear daughter of the late Charlie and Mary McCarron, cherished sister of Mary, Anne, Sean, Pat, Martha and Charles, and a devoted aunt to all her nieces and nephews. Dearly loved and will be sadly missed by the entire family circle. Jeanette will be reposing at her daughter Gemma's home 19 Bayview Gardens, (BT47 6SN). House Private from 10:00pm to 10:00am. Funeral leaving her home on Wednesday, January 21 at 9:20am to St. Eugene’s Cathedral for Requiem Mass at 10:00am. Interment afterwards in the City Cemetery. Family flowers only donations in lieu if wished to Foyle Hospice, 61 Culmore Road, Derry, BT48 8JE. Sacred Heart Of Jesus have mercy on her soul. Our Lady of Lourdes intercede for her.

Matthew Thomas Gracey, 140 Drumbolg Road, Upperlands, Maghera

The death has taken place of Matthew Thomas Gracey, (suddenly) at home, January 17 2026, 140 Drumbolg Road, Upperlands, Maghera. Dearly-loved father of Jayden, son of Shirley and cherished brother of Stephen, Janice, Tamara, Chelsea and Rachel and dear partner of Samantha. Friends and relatives are welcome to call at Chelsea's home at any time, 16 Port Villas, Portglenone. A funeral service will be held at his sister Chelsea's home (16 Port Villas, Portglenone) on Wednesday (January 21) at 1.00pm, followed by internment in Portglenone Cemetery. Family flowers only, please. Donations, in lieu, for Suicide Awareness, c/o Thompson Caldwell, 42 Hiltonstown Road, Portglenone BT44 8EQ. Very deeply regretted by his loving family and family circle.

Ann Heaney (née Clarke), 19 Ardnabrocky, Drumahoe

It is with deep regret we announce the passing of Ann Heaney (née Clarke),  January 17 2026, peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital and late of Brooklands Nursing Home, beloved wife of Ryan, loving mother of Steven, mother-in-law of Tina, devoted grandmother of Zach and Kaiden and dear sister of Hilary. Sadly missed by all her extended family and friends. Her remains will be reposing in her home, 19 Ardnabrocky, Drumahoe. Funeral service there on Wednesday at 1.30pm. Interment afterwards in Ballyoan Cemetery. Family time please from 10.00pm to 11.00am. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers, if wished, to MS Society, 34 Annadale Avenue, Belfast, BT7 3JJ. Safe in the arms of Jesus.

Patrick Joseph (Pat) Orr, Limavady

The death has taken place of Patrick Joseph (Pat) Orr, Passed away peacefully at Cornfield Care Centre on January 19 2026. Surrounded by his loving family. Much loved husband of the late Letty, loving father of Dougie (Jenny), Sandra, (Sam), Morven (Edwin), Colin (Fiona) Wendy (Tom). Also a devoted Grandfather and Great grandfather. House strictly private. All welcome to attend the funeral service in Myroe Presbyterian Church on Wednesday at 11am followed by burial in adjoining Churchyard. Family flowers only please donations if desired and cheques payable to Dementia NI and forwarded to Browns Funeral Directors, 21Aghanloo ind Est Aghanloo Road, Limavady. Will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his entire family circle.

James Vincent McCarron, Derry

The death has occurred of the late James Vincent McCarron, January 17 2026, Peacefully at Melmount Manor Care Home, Strabane, husband of the late Mary, father of Kerry, Stephen, Emma and the late Andrea, grandfather, dear brother of Anne, Eamon, Bernard, and the late Terry and John and friend of Elizabeth Smithies. Requiem Mass will be held in St Columb’s Church, Waterside, on Tuesday, January 20 at 10.00am followed by burial in Ballyoan Cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if desired to W.H. & S.C.T. Altnagelvin Hospital c/o Mrs Ruth Hay, Funeral Director, 24A Church Road, Altnagelvin, Derry, BT47 3QQ. “Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul”

Brigid (Bridie) McCloskey (née McGonagle), 16 Liscloon Drive, Shantallow, Derry

The death has occurred of the late Brigid (Bridie) McCloskey (née McGonagle), January 18 2026, peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family, beloved wife of the late John, 16 Liscloon Drive, Shantallow, loving mother of Gerald, John, Brendan, Joseph, Pascal, Noel, Hugh and Marieona, a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, predeceased by her grandson Luke and dear sister of Roger, John-Gerard, Noreen and the late Willie-Joe, Neil-Martin and Eileen. Sadly missed by all her extended family and friends. Her remains will be reposing in her home. Funeral from there on Wednesday at 11.30am for 12o’clock Requiem Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown. Interment afterwards in the City Cemetery. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary pray for her.

Sinead McCracken, 382 Seacoast Road, Bellarena

It is with deep regret we announce the passing of Sinead McCracken, January 18 2026, beloved daughter of the late Aidan and Ellen, 382 Seacoast Road, Bellarena, loving sister of Annette, Marie and the late Terry and much loved aunt of David and Martin. House private please. Funeral from her home on Wednesday at 1.25pm for 2o’clock Requiem Mass in St Aidan’s Church, Magilligan. Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary pray for her.

James McGilligan, 75 Limavady Road, Tamneymore, Garvagh

Funeral arrangements for the late James McGilligan, died January 18 2026. (Tamneymore, Ballerin). N.B. Everyone welcome to call at McKiernan’s Funeral Home, 45-47 Maghera Street, Kilrea. BT51 5QL on Tuesday evening from 4.30pm. Peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital, late of 75 Limavady Road, Tamneymore, Garvagh. Beloved husband of Mary (née McCloskey, Glenullin); son of the late Paddy and Jean and loving brother of Patsy, Willie and Annie (McAtamney) and a dear brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Removal from McKiernan’s on today (Tuesday) at 6:15pm to St. Mary’s Church, Ballerin. (arriving approx. 7.00pm). Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 21 2026 at 12noon. (Mass will be broadcast live on the parish website http://www.errigalparish.com/media.html). Interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery. St. Pio pray for him. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing wife Mary and the entire McGilligan and McCloskey family circle. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to the NI Chest, Heart & Stroke can be made online at https://mckiernanandsons.com/notices or payable to McKiernan & Sons, 45-47 Maghera Street, Kilrea. BT51 5QL.

Kathleen McMenamin (née Robson), 12 Cliftonville Avenue, Derry

It is with deep sorrow and great sadness that we announce the passing of Kathleen McMenamin (née Robson), peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital on January 18 2026. Late of 12 Cliftonville Avenue. May she rest in peace. Beloved wife of the late Brendan. Devoted mother of Brendan, Sharon and Aidan. A much loved mother-in-law of Bronagh, Debbie and Gerard. Loving grandmother of Jane, Ryan, Peter, Kate and Rory. Dearest sister of Rosie, Paul, Audrey and the late Ellery. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by all of her wider family circle, friends and neighbours. Kathleen’s remains will be reposing at her daughter Sharon’s home, 17 Waterstone Park today (Tuesday, January 20) from 2.00pm until 9.00pm. Funeral leaving from there on Wednesday, January 21 at 9:30am for 10.00am Requiem Mass in St. Columb’s Church, Chapel Road. Burial will take place afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ardmore. The wake house will be private on the morning of the funeral. Kathleen’s Requiem Mass can be viewed live via the link: https://m.youtube.com/c/WatersideParish. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu, if so desired to Daleview Nursing Home Social Fund, c/o the immediate family or Mr. Kieran Connor McClafferty Funeral Directors, Unit 3a, Rathmor Business Pk, Derry, BT48 0LZ. St. Padre Pio Pray For Her. Our Lady Of Lourdes Intercede For Her. All Enquiries to Mr. Kieran Connor, McClafferty Funeral Directors, 02871262823.

William Desmond (Willie) Steele, Limavady

The death has occurred of the late William Desmond (Willie) Steele, Passed away peacefully on January 18 2026 at Altnagelvin Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Much loved father of Daniel (Jane) and Alan (Christina), loving Grandfather of Charlie, Jade, Shannon, Bradley, Kyle, Billy, Great grandfather of Ellie-May, Reggie, Alfie and Vinnie. Dear Brother of Alan, Kathleen, Roberta, May, John, Robert. All welcome to call pay their respects to Willie at Browns Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. Funeral will leave Browns Funeral Home on Wednesday at 1.00pm for service in Bovevagh Parish Church at 2.00pm followed by burial in Adjoining Churchyard. Family flowers only please donations if desired and cheques payable to Dementia NI and forwarded to Browns Funeral Directors, 21 Aghanloo Road, Limavady. Willie will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his entire family circle.