Tributes paid to ‘wise, kind and humble’ Paula Cunningham by Derry councillors
Derry councillors paid tribute to former nurse and Chairperson of the Hillcrest Trust Paula Cunningham (née Keenan) who recently passed away.
Paula passed away peacefully at Altnagelvin hospital on 19 November 2023.
Alderman Niree McNorris led tributes to Pauline at the DCSDC Full Council Meeting on 22 November.
“Paula came to Londonderry from her native Enniskillin as a 17 year old to train as a nurse in Altnagalvin. She was a ward sister and within three years she became a sister. She was a mentor to many young nurses and doctors,” the DUP alderman said
“Paula was a nurse at the height of the troubles while nurses were dealing with victims of bombing and shooting incidents on an almost daily basis.
“She later moved into hospital management and administration and was a senior director of services for the Western Trust until she retired in 2013.
“After her retirement from the health service Paula threw herself into voluntary work. Not only for the diocese as safe guarding officer but also for the local schools such as St Pauls.
“Paula was a wise, kind and humble woman who brought a wealth of knowledge to the roles she held within these communities. She freely gave her time and was always at the other end of the phone to offer support.”
Christopher Jackson said Pauline was an important figure in the community.
“We were all shocked and saddened to hear of the very sudden death of Paula earlier this week. Our thoughts are with her family today as she was laid to rest,” the Sinn Féin councillor said.
“Paula was a lady and anybody who came to know her very quickly gained the utmost of respect for her.
“When we met as a community and we were asked to nominate people on to a committee between Top of the Hill and Irish Street [for Waterside Shared Village] Paula was an automatic choice. She was somebody who we all had a great deal of confidence in and respect for.
“This is a great loss for everyone in our city and district but that loss has been felt most by her family.”
Cllr Sean Mooney said Paula was ‘ formidable, hardworking and industrious’.
“I heard of Paula's untimely death on Sunday and I was very shocked and saddened to hear as a fellow director of Hillcrest Trust,” the SDLP councillor said.
“She was a formidable, hardworking and industrious chair [of the Hillcrest Trust]. She was always there to support anybody coming on to the committee.
“As Christopher and Niree said, the Waterside and the city and district is much the poorer for her passing.”
A Hillcrest representative praised the work and dedication of their former Chair in a Facebook post.
“Paula was a board member of Hillcrest Trust and had served as Chairperson from 2021 until her untimely passing this past weekend. Paula had devoted her working life to the health of others working as a nurse, ward sister and manager in Altnagelvin Hospital for almost 40 years,” they wrote.
“In retirement she continued this dedication to improving the lives of others by becoming a voluntary member of the board of Hillcrest Trust and other voluntary organisations.
“Our thoughts are with her adored daughters Lauren and Katie who were the light of Paula’s life, her extended family and the large circle of friends who loved her like a sister. Rest in peace dear Paula. You will be missed by many but never forgotten.”