A woman who was found dead in her Co Wexford home earlier this month was a doting mother who will continue to “shine bright” in the minds of all those who loved her, a funeral mass has heard.
The body of Paula Lawlor (32) was discovered at her home at Baile Eoghain in Gorey on December 19th. A man was subsequently held for questioning at a Garda station in the eastern region. He was released without charge. A file will be sent to the DPP.
At her funeral mass in St Mark’s Church, in her native Springfield in Tallaght in Dublin on Saturday morning, Fr Pat O’Rourke spoke of a loving, kind and vibrant woman whose every thought was of her daughter Layla Rose.
“She (Paula) was a very young, sweet and kind hearted lady. She had a hunger and a passion for life. She adored the ground that Layla walked on and loved her like no other mother.
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“She was there for her for her school and her activities. She was a good Mammy. Her life centred around Layla Rose. She loved her unconditionally and that is why the heartbreak is a little harder for you today Layla than anyone else.”
Fr O’Rourke said the “smile and beauty” of Paula would live on forever in eternal life.
Offertory symbols included photographs of Paula’s daughter Layla Rose and her late parents Sheila and Brendan, her mobile phone, her handbag which Fr O’Rouke said normally included “everything but the kitchen sink,” her perfume and hairbrush.
Paula’s cousin Byron told mourners that she was like a sister to him.
“Most of my youth was spent with Paula. I would have to go after school over to Sheila’s (his aunt) and in my head I would be contemplating how many times I would have to watch Titanic or the Lion King.
“I was there when Paula was first brought home. She was the apple of Sheila and Brendan’s (her parents) eye. I have seen that same glint in her eye with her daughter Layla.”
He said if Paula loved a song she played it over and over again. He added that Paula in the words of her favourite Rihanna song would “shine bright like a diamond” forever.
The 10am requiem mass was followed by cremation in Newlands Cross Crematorium.
Paula was predeceased by her parents and grandparents. She is survived by her daughter Layla Rose, aunts, uncles, extended family and a wide circle friends.
Gardaí are continuing to investigate all the circumstances of her death. A postmortem did not provide conclusive evidence that Ms Lawlor was the subject of a violent attack.
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