TRAGIC JASON MUM DIES JUST WEEKS AFTER BEATING COVID
Rita, 80, passes away 5 years on from son’s murder
TRIBUTES have been paid to the mother of US murder victim Jason Corbett, who died just weeks after she beat Covid-19.
Rita Corbett passed away on Sunday night in St John’s Hospital in Limerick.
The 80-year-old had been recovering there after recently testing positive for the disease.
Her death comes five years after the horrific killing of her son Jason, who sustained fatal head injuries after being struck by a brick and a baseball bat at his home in Wallburg, North Carolina.
Mr Corbett’s second wife Molly Martens and father-in-law Thomas Martens were convicted of his murder following a trial in 2017.
They have since won an appeal seeking a retrial.
Mrs Corbett’s daughter Tracey Corbett Lynch confirmed her mother had beaten Covid-19 several weeks ago.
COURAGEOUS
However, she said the mother of eight, who was also diagnosed with a heart condition, had passed away after developing pneumonia.
In a poignant online tribute, she added: “My courageous, resilient, beautiful, kind Mother, my biggest advocate, closed her eyes for the last time last night.
“Go gently into the good night and be enveloped in the loving arms awaiting you. RIP Rita Corbett 1939 – 2020.”
She is organising her mother’s funeral with her father John.
“A private funeral will take place due to Government advice regarding public gatherings and with the agreement of the family,” read a notice for Mrs Corbett (nee O’donoghue) on www.rip.ie.
Those who cannot attend can leave Mass cards, letters and messages of sympathy online, or post them to Cross’s Funeral Directors in Limerick.
The cortege will pass the family home in Colbert Park today at around 1pm for those wishing to pay their respects.
Molly and Thomas Martens