‘She was an angel, so loving and so giving’
Jemma O’Sullivan, 22, from Monaleen, died last Friday in a four-vehicle crash on the M18 near Doncaster.
She was returning to Sunderland with her boyfriend, where she was studying for a degree in pharmacy.
Ms O’Sullivan in her spare time did volunteer work at Milford Hospice and travelled to South Africa two years ago to work with an Aids charity.
Her father Vincent said yesterday: “She touched a lot of people and did a lot of good in the couple of years she was here with us... She could not give enough to people. Everyone Jemma met, she would have impacted on their life. She was such a happy-go-lucky kid and always did good to people.”
Jemma was a front-seat passenger in the car her boyfriend, Alan, was driving. He remains in a stable condition in hospital.
Jemma’s brother Justin, 31, said yesterday: “She was an angel. Jemma was so giving and so loving. The amount of time and help she gave to people. She was just such a nice person.”
Monsignor Dan Neenan, parish priest of Monaleen, said people in the area were finding it hard to comprehend news of Jemma’s death: “I am utterly shocked. There is an air of sadness throughout the parish at the death of this young woman who was so bright, intelligent, full of personality, and also so incredibly caring. She was so kind, and yet as fun-loving a person as you could meet.”
After attending Castletroy College, Jemma went to study pharmacy at the University of Sunderland.
Cllr Michael Sheehan, who taught her sports when she attended the local primary school in Monaleen, said: “She would have got on well with everybody. A child you would love to have as your own daughter. She was totally dedicated. Jemma was a very patient child, with a lovely personality. She was very easy to talk with, and very considerate.”
Jemma is survived by her parents Vincent and Margaret, sister Ita, 28, and brother Justin.
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