VIDEO: Karen Buckley Funeral: ‘Caring nurse whose smile would light up the ward’

Karen Buckley was simply described at her requiem Mass as the woman with “a smile to lift a thousand frowns”.

During the service, her brother, Kieran, brought up Karen’s nursing uniform while her cousin, Padraig Hurley, described how she was known for being “a kind and caring nurse whose smile would light up the ward”. Karen graduated as a nurse in 2014.

Another of her brothers, Damien, brought up Karen’s favourite dress, which she had worn to her brother Brendan’s wedding.

“Karen had a love of fashion and always wanted to look her best,” Padraig told the congregation. “As you can see from the picture she looked beautiful.”

Carried by her brother Brendan, a photo of a young Karen on her first day in Analeentha National School reflected her lifelong love of learning. Karen had been studying for her masters in occupational health therapy when she lost her life.

The combined Mourneabbey parish choirs of Analeentha and Burnfort Churches, with soloist Carmel Breen, filled the little church, from the soaring entrance hymn, ‘Be Still for the Presence of the Lord’, to the gentle lullaby, ‘Goodnight My Angel’.

Prayers were offered for the emergency services, police and fire service, and for all families left heartbroken by grief.

Her friend, Julie Malone, spoke of how Karen touched the lives of many people in a very special way.

“Her love and care brought us closer to each other and closer to God,” said Julie. “Following Karen’s example, may we play our part in making the world a better place.”

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