Tears for tragic Jean
Neighbours and friends pay respects to ‘amazing woman’
HUNDREDS of mourners braved the torrential rain to bid a final farewell to slain mum-of-two Jean Eagers yesterday.
Friends, neighbours and work colleagues stood in silence as the hearse containing the remains of the 57-year-old passed by the family home in West Dublin.
A chilling silence hung in the air as the cortege stopped outside the house on Willow Wood Grove in Hartstown where Jean was brutally killed with a samurai sword last Sunday.
Her heartbroken daughter Michelle, 30. and 23-year-old son Dillon drove behind the hearse which was covered in floral wreaths including one that spelled out “Mam”.
The heavy downpour stopped momentarily as the cortege drove by as those who had lined the road fought back tears. Only 25 people were allowed to attend the funeral service at the nearby Church of St Ciaran due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Ringsend native Jean died after receiving fatal wounds from the attack.
Her son Dillon is understood to have tried to help his dying mum following the gruesome killing.
Speaking to the Irish Sunday Mirror ahead of the service, Hartstown parish priest Fr Joe Coyne said Jean was a woman who was loved by all her family and friends.
He added: “I have been listening to her neighbours and work colleagues talking about her and the family too, of course. She was a lovely woman in every way.
“People will be leaving their houses to honour her as they can’t go to the church. As far as I know they [her children] are holding up with great dignity. The thing with a funeral is to get through the sadness and actually celebrate the funeral and stick together like all families do.
“It’s shocking and there is great sadness.”
Jean’s husband William is currently in hospital and is expected to be questioned by gardai in coming days.
Meanwhile, Jean’s heartbroken colleague from Marks & Spencer in Blanchardstown paid tribute to her friend with the “sweetest soul”. Colleagues escorted Jean’s remains from the church to the crematorium. Chloe Shaw told how much she was loved and adored by everybody who met her. She said: “I have been trying to find the right words to say and I feel like everyone should know how much of an amazing woman Jean was. “From the moment I met Jean she was the kindest, sweetest soul I had ever met. “From the moment she walked through them doors starting her shift in work until the time she left she had the biggest smile on her face. “On the darkest days she made them brighter and on the brightest days she made them even brighter.
“Jean loved everyone and I can honestly say we loved her too.
Ms Shaw said how special Jean was to her and how much they cared for each other.
She added: “Jean has always been interested in my life and always made me feel part of hers.
“She loved helping people and she gave the best advice. She really gave the best hugs.
“I am truly grateful to have worked with Jean and I can honestly say she has a special place in my heart.
“Jean, I am heartbroken you are gone.
“You have touched so many lives and we are all forever grateful for that.
“From the bottom of my heart I’m sorry this has happened and you will be the brightest star in the sky.”
news@irishmirror.ie
From the moment I met Jean she was the kindest, sweetest soul I had ever met
CHLOE SHAW ON THE KILLING OF HER WORK COLLEAGUE