By Diarmaid Doherty
THE Donegal woman who died in a fatal road collision near Omagh on Saturday had been on her way to Dublin to celebrate her birthday with her daughter.
Bernadette (Bernie) Cranley from Lifford would have turned 83 on Tuesday.
She lost her life in a two-vehicle collision on Saturday on the Mellon Road, between Omagh and Newtownstewart near the Ulster American Folk Park.
This afternoon, family members and friends will gather to say their final goodbyes at her funeral which takes place in St Patrick’s Church, Murlog, Lifford.
Her daughter Rebecca has told the Donegal News how she had been so looking forward to hosting a visit from her mother for Bernie’s birthday.
“So when we received the news about what happened, it was such a shock, it was heart-breaking,” Rebecca said.
“Mum had only really just begun her journey. She was coming up for her birthday and we were all looking forward to spending a few days together.”
Police are investigating the circumstances of Saturday’s collision. Another woman, aged in her 70s and driving the second vehicle, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Bernie of St Columba’s Grove, Ballyduff Park, Lifford, had been living in the town for around 20 years, having moved to Donegal from Crumlin in Dublin.
Her daughter Rebecca said the family has been blown away by the messages of sympathy and support received from the Lifford community since Saturday’s tragedy.
“People are saying that our mum was a pillar of the community,” she said.
“She was happily retired, but she had immersed herself in the community of Lifford and the way people have been speaking so highly of her has been so comforting.
“We are taking great comfort from the stories and memories people are sharing of our mum.”
Fr Michael McCaughey will celebrate this afternoon’s funeral Mass which takes place at 3pm in Murlog.
He also paid tribute to Bernie, saying that she was very much part of the community and very well known.
Fr Michael said people have been very moved to hear that Bernie had been on her way to be with her daughter for her birthday when the collision occurred.
Bernie is survived by four children with Rebecca and son, Sean, both living in Dublin. Another son, Simon has flown home from Sydney for today’s funeral but her daughter, Nicola, who also lives in Australia, has been advised not to travel on medical grounds.
Bernie is also mother-in-law to Kathryn, Luke and Clare, dearly loved grandmother of Darcey, Louis, Lola, Patrick, Lexie, Sienna, Kiera, Elledie and Zara and sister of Bridget, Louie, Paddy, Benny, Kay, Tony and the late Tommy, Clare, Fran and Maura.
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