Laura Casey Hadaway, a nursing student, died at Evora Hospice on March 4 after a cancer diagnosis less than a year earlier. Her funeral took place on Friday at St Paul’s Church in Lurgan.

A message from Laura Casey Hadaway was read at the service. She described her family, including brother Neil, sister Annmarie, husband Michael, and children Aoibhin, Rian, and Aoife-Rose. She asked attendees to celebrate her life, hug tighter, forgive quicker, and say important things while possible.

Fr Brian Fitzpatrick led the service. He noted her 23-year marriage to Michael and their shared experience of losing their mothers. He mentioned her jobs at a local pharmacy, Choung’s Welcome, Craigavon Hospital, and Aughnacloy House.

She trained as a nurse in her second year on the Children’s Ward at Daisy Hill Hospital. She provided respite care at home for parents of children with special needs.

Fr Brian Fitzpatrick said she planned much of the funeral Mass. He stated her faith gave her strength during illness and she never questioned her condition. She travelled to Rome and Knock despite her health.

Her son Ryan addressed the congregation and called her kind and warm-hearted, always putting others first.

Friend Wendy, a nurse, spoke at Laura Casey Hadaway's request. They met 13 years ago at Craigavon Hospital’s children’s ward. Wendy said Laura studied nursing through the Open University but medically retired due to cancer spread. She provided respite for multiple children and their families.