THE world of one Crossmaglen family slipped off its axis when an adored mother, a much-loved wife, a friend, colleague, sister and a determined and committed campaigner for justice and equality, Geraldine Donnelly, died suddenly on holiday in Ibiza.
The sense of loss to her devastated husband, children and grandchildren has been profound, but the shock and sadness reverberated well beyond her family - this well-known and popular woman was many things to many people.
Born in 1949 to Veronica and Gerry Devlin in the parish that would remain her home for all of her life, Geraldine was the first of nine girls to arrive over the course of 10 years.
At the age of 23 she married Sean Donnelly and together they went on to raise their own three children.
During early motherhood she ran the local playgroup, becoming one of the earliest influences in the lives of many young people.
She instinctively understood the importance of nurturing children in their formative years, searching for the jewel within the most troubled or difficult child. This belief in the intrinsic goodness of people was to become one of the defining features of her life – she would overcome obstacles and bureaucracy by appealing directly to those with the power to change decisions on behalf of any constituent who sought her help.
Geraldine was elected an SDLP councillor in Newry and Mourne in 2005 and represented her constituents for the next 11 years, including a particularly busy year as deputy mayor.
She held no prejudices, judging people only on the basis of their integrity and actions and was highly regarded across the political divide.
Geraldine’s magnetic personality, strong moral character and genuine interest in people more than compensated for the lack of formal qualifications that resulted from leaving school at 14.
She dedicated her life to solving problems and influencing positive change by being the type of person she needed others to be and living the values that she espoused.
Geraldine won friends easily - she was a natural influencer, a gentle political warrior. Her charisma was complemented by a steely determination and tenacity which, combined with a natural interest in improving lives, made her an ideal political representative.
She used persuasion and charm rather than insistence and coercion. She spoke directly and bravely with a dignity that demanded respect. She challenged acts of hypocrisy, oppression and intimidation, even where it left her a lone voice, championing the underdog and supporting the disheartened.
Geraldine was the epitome of decency; an honest, selfless, humble woman whose sense of justice, equality and compassion shone brightly.
She was someone who knew the value of a kind moment spent with a lost or lonely soul. She cared little for labels and had no time for inflated egos; she valued wisdom over qualification and self awareness over blind faith. She had an eye for vulnerability and an ear for truth.
A quiet but true patriot, Geraldine wore her flag lightly, an invisibility cloak of identity that only she needed to know she was wearing.
Her family and friends can take comfort from the knowledge that, for those left behind, the essence of a person, that which defines them in life, never disappears.
Geraldine touched many lives and for this reason she lives on. All who knew her, not least her family, were privileged to have had this wonderful woman in their lives.
Geraldine Donnelly died on June 29 and is survived by her husband, children Niall, Sandra and Karen and 10 grandchildren.
Her month’s mind Mass will be celebrated this evening at 6.30pm in St Patrick’s Church, Crossmaglen.
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