Annmarie Hooper was laid to rest just days before Christmas
Annmarie Hooper was remembered as a woman who was “full of life and full of love” at her funeral which took place in Dublin on December 23.
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Hooper, 33, died in a car accident on December 17 in Dublin after the car she was riding in left the road and hit a lamppost. The 25-year-old driver Dean Coleman also died in the accident.
The Independent reports that prior to the accident, gardai had signaled for Coleman, who was disqualified from driving, to pull over. The Garda Ombudsman Commission is investigating the crash.
On December 23, family and friends gathered at the Church of the Incarnation in Fettercairn for Hooper's funeral. The 33-year-old mother's white coffin arrived by horse-drawn carriage. On the altar inside the church, pink and white balloons were placed to honor Hooper's life.
The presiding Father Pat McKinley noted the tragic timing of Hooper’s death at the Christmas period, saying that while “most of the world” was celebrating, “we’re here this morning, in heartbreak, as we mourn the loss of Annmarie.”
“We’re here in great sadness,” he added. “There is something about Christmas I think that adds layers of sadness. We bring a young woman to her final journey.”
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Annmarie’s death is but another instance of the “sadness and tragedy” that the Hooper family has endured, Fr McKinley said. Three years ago, Annmarie’s former partner passed away, and last year, her 12-year-old nephew Kyle Finnegan Hooper passed away from an asthma attack.
Annmarie’s first child, Sofiah, passed away only shortly after being born. “It was an occasion of great joy," Fr McKinley said, "but that joy turned quickly into heartbreak and suffering when baby Sofiah died.
“That event marked a real turning point in Annmarie’s very young life as she struggled to come to terms with the loss. I know, Katelyn, you brought great joy into your mam’s life after baby Sofiah’s death. But Annmarie continued to struggle.”
Annmarie was eulogized by both her mother Cathy and much adored young daughter Katelyn.
In a letter read to the congregation by a family friend, Cathy said: “Even though she was a thorn in my side, I loved her, as she had a heart of gold and she would do anything for anyone.”
The friend added: “Cathy sent her out for a pack of smokes one day and she arrived back three days later.
“She was her own worst enemy at times but even though they had arguments, she (Cathy) loved her. And Annemarie loved her (Cathy) to bits, she was her only daughter and she adored her.”
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A female relative read a letter from Annemarie’s teen daughter, Katelyn, in tribute to her mother.
“Where do I start with my Ma, as everyone knew she loved...living her life to the fullest.
“Like any mother and daughter, at the end of the day, it was a love like no other. She was a loving, caring person.
“I know she’s up there now with my baby sister Sofiah, my da...and my cousin, Kyle.
“I hope you are all united together. I hope you are at peace now, until we meet again, your little princess, Katelyn.”
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