Last night my Granny passed away, aged 81

She was taken to hospital last week with breathing problems, and deteriorated quickly

I wasn't able to see her before she went - but managed to get a card to her on Saturday with a message. I've been told she got it

Always with us

I have fond memories with her of going to the Waterworks to feed the ducks to use up the bread that was "nearly on the turn", of going to Ballysillan playing fields with my bike, and of holidays to Scotland every year

Memories of Christmas Day every year at her house. She would start cooking sometimes at 10am to make sure everything was perfect - & wouldn't eat her own until after we had all finished. And later, of her hour long phonecalls. I never minded, because she was the best storyteller

I will be forever thankful for her helping to support me through university, and constantly telling me how proud she was that I was the first in the family to go. The same when I graduated and got the job at UTV

Now she is at peace with Wesley, her husband of 53 years.

When we said goodbye to him four years ago, no-one was more supportive to the entire family than her

Of course we can't have a normal funeral, but she told me that she wanted me to speak at it.

I wish I could have.

Maybe this thread will reach more people than would have been there.

She wanted the hymn Abide With Me to be played.

Call your grandparents. Take care