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New bride dies months after pushing for closing wedding to continue
08/31/2020 – 09:47
Cate McCurry
A woman died with a terminal illness who persuaded the Northern Ireland Executive to allow her to marry her partner during the confinement.
Samantha Byrne had planned for her wedding to take place in May of this year. However, the Covid-19 restrictions disrupted their plans.
He was able to marry partner Frankie Byrne at their Co Down home after the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers, Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill, agreed to allow marriage ceremonies if a person was terminally ill.
After lobbying politicians, Samantha and Frankie tied the knot in late May.
Samantha was engaged when she was told that her cancer was terminal and that she had two years to live.
The couple tied the knot at their home in Loughbrickland with two of their children by their side as other family members watched via video link.
A funeral notice stated that Samantha, described as Frank’s beloved wife, died Sunday at the Southern Area Hospice.
His funeral will take place on Wednesday.
Mourners have been asked not to send flowers, but to donate to the hospice.
The funeral notice read: “Very deeply regretted by the entire family circle.”
DUP leader Ms. Foster tweeted: “I am so sorry to hear this sad news.
“I don’t think anyone has stopped being touched by this couple. My deepest condolences.”
A florist who provided the flowers for Samantha’s wedding day posted a tribute online: “It is with the deepest sadness and the heaviest heart that I let you all know that our beautiful bride Samantha has passed away.
“Many of you will remember her and Frankie’s plight of getting married at the beginning of the confinement.
“Determination, will, sheer love and devotion, and incredible support from family and friends gave Samantha her wish.
“On behalf of all of us, we extend our condolences to Frankie and the family circle and to all of Samantha’s vast army of friends. Rest in peace.”
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