A poignant farewell to a 'beautiful soul'
The late Yvonne Daniels, may she rest in peace.
Tears flowed freely inside a packed St. Mary’s Church in Ballygunner, on Wednesday last, February 4, as a grief-stricken community came together to pay a final and poignant farewell to Yvonne Daniels, who died following an illness borne with great dignity, courage, and strength.
Yvonne, who was married to Gavin and had two children, Ollie and Fiadh, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer just six weeks after she had given birth to Fiadh back in August 2024, and fought her courageous battle to the bitter end, before passing away surrounded by her loved ones on February 1, at the age of 36.
Much loved by all who knew her, she was remembered most for her kindness, courage, and fun-loving personality, with a smile that would brighten any room and for the love that she shared with her husband and her two “angels”.
There was mere standing room inside an overflowing church for a funeral Mass that was celebrated by Fr. Liam Power, Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s and Benildus, and St. Mary’s, where Gavin was joined by extended family and friends to say goodbye to a woman who touched the lives of so many.
Symbols representing Yvonne’s life were brought to the altar during the Mass, including a family photo of her, Gavin, Ollie, and Fiadh; teddy bears expressing her devoted love for her two children; and her make-up bag, which showed the glamour and glitz of her life.
In his homily, Fr Liam Power said: “There is a particular pain when someone so young, like Yvonne, is taken from us. It feels wrong and feels too soon. Yet in the sharpness of the grief that you feel, one thing is unmistakable about the words shared about her in the past few days.
“Yvonne’s life was a gift – bright, generous and full of warmth. Her love reached far and touched so many with a tribute to her today that the church is packed for her funeral.
"So many have spoken about her smile – a smile that could light up any room.”
Fr. Power added: “You remember her as a shining light, and an array of sunshine. She was a breath of fresh air. In the workplace, in the shop, in the school, and on the road, where she stopped for a chat, she left people a little lighter and a little brighter after meeting her.
“I believe that brightness wasn’t just superficial and that it came from what many have described as that 'beautiful' soul, which was full of kindness, caring, fun-loving, and genuine.
"She was a woman with a heart of gold, the kind who helped without fuss. She lifted others naturally and brought laughter and ease.
“If you only knew her a little, you knew her well, because she had a gift of always making people feel seen and welcomed. Today, our hearts go especially to Gavin, and to Ollie and Fiadh. There are no perfect words for a husband and two children facing such a heartbreaking loss.
“You are not alone. The entire community are standing with you, carrying you in prayer, in practical support, and in love.”
In conclusion, Fr Power said: “Many of you have spoken about Yvonne’s courage and how she fought to the very end. She kept making happy memories for Ollie and Fiadh. That kind of bravery isn’t loud. It’s steady, and it's love chosen to remain, love even when the road is hard.
“There was never an ounce of self-pity or recrimination or the question of why me? It was courage right to the very end. Thank you for the light you brought. Your laughter, your kindness, your friendship, and your love. Thank you for the way you lifted people by just being yourself.”
In a heartfelt and touching tribute, her husband Gavin said: “There is a very common term used in passings like this that they sadly lost their battle with cancer, but I can assure you now that Yvonne did anything but lose during her whole life.
“She held her head high throughout the most important and serious situations that arose, even though life got hard sometimes. I had the honour of being with Yvonne for over 10 years, during which we both overcame much adversity, but in the end, all that mattered was within our own four walls.
“I watched Yvonne grow throughout the years to become a fantastic woman, a brilliant mother, and an absolutely beautiful wife. Yvonne will forever be remembered for her beautiful smile and warm eyes, even though sometimes she didn’t know exactly what she was smiling at!"
Gavin added: “I won’t say fond memories, but leaving oncology meetings after getting some sort of bad news, where she would turn to the oncologist and say, 'You know what you can do?' before leaving the room and asking what she was talking about in there.
“There was always a beautiful innocence to Yvonne, and that never changed throughout. For all the flaws I had, she completed me as a person. She taught me to love, to care for others, but most importantly to be a dad, and for that I’m forever grateful."
“I’m now left to continue to tell Yvonne’s story and to tell the kids how brave their mam is. We’ll always have our very own superhero. I’ll never be able to say goodbye. I never will because I’ll never have to because she is always with me and a constant reminder to just smile.
“I would like to give a special mention to my cousin Sinead Fitzpatrick, her sister Shannon Denton, and her great friend Zoe Leahy, who were our very own medical care team and without those, Yvonne wouldn’t have gotten the level of care that she received."
Music at her funeral was rendered by the wonderful singing voice of Sarah Jane Lavery, who was accompanied on guitar by Mark Robinson. Yvonne’s remains were taken from the church to the Spice Girls hit “Goodbye My Friend”, before she was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
Deeply regretted by her heartbroken husband, Gavin. Yvonne will be forever missed by her adoring children, Ollie and Fiadh, and will be fondly remembered by all her extended family and friends.
May Yvonne's gentle and kind soul rest in everlasting peace.
