Gifted social worker ‘was destined for great things’
Tributes for mum of two who died after contracting coronavirus
TRIBUTES have been paid tribute to a “passionate, dedicated and committed” social worker in the Western Trust who died after contracting coronavirus.
Nuala Mclaughlin passed away peacefully on Tuesday at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen after working for almost 20 years within the Western Trust’s family and childcare directorate.
A family notice said her death was “deeply regretted” by her wider family, including her two children.
Colleagues passed on their condolences in a moving tribute posted on the Western Trust’s Facebook page.
“Everyone within the Western Trust is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of our dear friend and colleague Nuala Mclaughlin,” the message read.
“The challenges (created) by the Covid-19 pandemic have been very tough on all health and social care staff, and it is most difficult when we lose one of our own directly for the first time to this disease.”
Describing Ms Mclaughlin as a highly valued team member and friend, the message included a tribute from her close colleagues in the women and children’s directorate.
One wrote: “She was one of the most passionate, dedicated and committed workers. (She) took great pride in carrying out her duties to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children and families she had contact with.”
Having progressed to the role of social work manager within the looked-after children’s service, she moved to a 16-plus pathway service, working across the Fermanagh and Omagh areas.
More recently, she secured a principal social worker position.
A colleague said Nuala was proud of her achievements and had proved she was destined for great things.
“She approached her role with great humility, never seeking praise and often downplaying the significance and importance of her role and how being the genuine and caring person she was often made a difference in so many ways,” they said.
“As well as being so committed and dedicated within her work, her love and care for her family, especially her two children, was always evident and remained her focus throughout her life. She included them in all that she did and they remained her top priority.”
Mrs Mclaughlin’s funeral will take place today, leaving the Mcanenly family home in Ballygawley at 11am for interment at St Malachy’s Cemetery, with Requiem Mass to follow in St Malachy’s Church, Ballymacilroy at 12.30pm.
Due to Covid-19 guidelines, the family home, the interment and the funeral mass will be strictly private.
Family flowers only, with donations, if desired, to the intensive care unit at the South West Acute Hospital.