RIP: Tributes paid to young Tipperary mum who was a 'truly special person'

The death has occurred of Sarah Freda Benn (née Whiteford), of Ballygurteen House, Roscrea, Tipperary, and formerly of Violet Hill, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny.

Sarah passed peacefully at home in the presence of her loving family.

She was the beloved wife of Philip and dearly loved mother of Alexander, daughter of Kenneth and late mother Evelyn, and sister to Gwen, Wesley and Jean.

She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her grandmothers Kathleen Whiteford and Freda Coyle, her niece Sienna and nephew Benjamin, her parents-in-law Richard and Daphne, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, her aunts and uncles, her relatives, very good neighbours and wide circle of friends.

She will lay in repose at her residence Ballygurteen House, Roscrea on Thursday evening from 4pm to 7pm.

Removal from her residence will take place on Friday at 12:30pm arriving in St Burchin's Church, Ballyhenry, Clonakenny, Roscrea, for funeral service at 1pm.

Burial will take place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

The family has asked for family flowers only, with donations if desired to Irish Hospice Care.

They also offer a heartfelt thank you to all the doctors, carers and nurses who looked after Sarah with such kindness and compassion.

Tributes have been paid to Sarah following her passing, with one person saying: “My deepest sympathy to Philip, Alexander and the Benn family. Ken, Gwen, Wesley, Jean and the Whiteford family. Sarah’s grandmothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, close friends and relatives. Sarah, my childhood best friend. I have so many great memories of our primary school days, GFS days, all the sleepovers and playdates in Violet Hill, many a story those walls could tell! Our youth club days and nights, and as the years went on, those 18th and 21st birthday celebrations. Sarah, there are no words at this devastating time. May God give you the best bed alongside your dear mother, and may you watch over all your loved ones.”

Another said: “My sincere condolences to Philip, Alexander, Kenneth, Gwen, Wesley, Jean, Phyllis and to all the Benn and Whiteford family on the heartbreaking and untimely passing of your beloved Sarah. There are really no words at a time like this. It was a real pleasure and a privilege to have worked with Sarah for a number of years. She was a truly special person, a kind and caring teacher and wonderful colleague and friend. Her beautiful smile lit up any room she entered, leaving a positive impact on all who met her. She will be deeply missed. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. May you find strength in the days ahead and comfort in the treasured memories you have of Sarah. May Sarah Rest in Peace, reunited with her dear Mum, Evelyn.”