Heartbreak at passing of well-known face at Co Antrim cafe for 22 years
FAMILY and friends have led tributes to a Ballymena woman who has passed away following a battle with cancer.
Roisin O’neill, who was wellknown through her work at Nobel Cafe on Church Street, died peacefully at her home in Granville Drive in the town on Tuesday. She was 66.
Her colleagues at Nobel Cafe, where she had been a staff member for the past 22 years, said they were “truly devastated and heartbroken” at her passing.
Roisin is survived by her husband Oliver, son Emmet, older brother Kevin and family circle.
Kevin Mccrudden yesterday paid tribute to his “beautiful sister”.
He told the Belfast Telegraph: “In her younger days, Roisin won a lot of awards through her love of Irish dancing and she made many friends.
“The staff at Noble were Roisin’s second family.
“She was the grandmother of them all and saw them through all of life’s big events.”
He added: “Roisin will be missed by the many people whose hearts she touched and paths she crossed.
“She was always the life and soul of every family occasion and we will be truly lost without her.”
Nobel Cafe said Roisin would be remembered as “the best wife, mother, friend and work colleague”.
“We can’t put into words how much we thought of Roisin. We loved her amazing personality and her zest for life,” it said in tribute. “She touched all our hearts and we will never forget her.
“Roisin fought a tough fight until the end like the strong inspirational woman we all knew and loved.
“Even to the end, Roisin looked beautiful and had everyone laughing.
“Roisin was a massive part of so many people’s lives and will be missed hugely.
“We have so many fun, amazing memories with Roisin that will stay with us forever.
“From Irish dancing, the best nights out and the funniest days at work, nothing will be the same without her.
“Unfortunately due to the current situation with Covid-19, it’s not as easy to give Roisin the send off she deserves, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t going to try our best.
“Thank you for everything, we will love you forever and you will be with us every day in our hearts.”
Roisin’s remains will be removed from her home on Friday at 9.30am to All Saints Church for funeral after 10am Requiem Mass with interment afterwards at Ballymena Cemetery.