The funeral of Mirjana Pap (58), whose body was discovered in Co Roscommon on December 30th, has been held near Athlone, Co Westmeath.
The funeral of the mother of three who was originally from Croatia was held under Eastern Orthodox church rites, in the church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Coosan.
Ms Pap’s son, Nebojsa Pap, has been charged with murdering her on December 28th at her home at Beechville, Athlone.
Ms Pap was predeceased by her father, Dragan, her husband Vlado and is survived by three children.
Prisoner escapes from custody while under escort to Tallaght Hospital
No parent should have to bury their child, mourners told at funeral of Paula Canty
Teenage heroin addict ‘dying before the eyes’ of those seeking to care for him, court told
Enoch Burke’s lonely vigil at the school gate has not been entirely pointless
In a joint eulogy, her children Bojan and Lora described their mother as a strong-willed “character” who despite her beginnings in poverty would have given “the skin off her back” to help others in need. They said their mother’s strength was the source of her resilience.
Ms Pap’s daughter Lora told the congregation her mother “loved her family dearly and struggled for many years as a widow. She tried to raise her kids to the best of her ability, while struggling with the grief of losing her husband Vlado.
“She loved the idea of a peaceful life after retirement, where she could relax and take care of her grandchildren. She looked forward to the idea of all of her kids having kids and helping us.”
“She spent a lot of time in the Athlone accommodation centre where she was a resident herself. She welcomed in many new residents and babies with open arms always hoping to form a connection, to be of some comfort to them as she knew what they were going through.
In a direct address to her mother she said: “You are a stubborn woman, a difficult woman, but a woman who loved and cared with her whole heart ... Your stubbornness was the reflection of your resilience.”
Ms Pap’s son Bojan said: “You were always a woman that made your own rules and followed your own path regardless of how many obstacles stood in your way. Anyone who has ever known you will have their own beautiful memories with you.
“These memories will be shared and passed on for years and years to come. Thank you, mama, for everything, for your love your lessons, and your unyielding belief in us. We will miss you more than words can say but we will honour your memory every day.”
Ms Pap’s burial took place after the ceremony in Coosan cemetery.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis
