LETTERKENNY teenager Kalize McGuigan was remembered for having a courageous spirit, at her funeral Mass on Monday.
Kalize, of 45 Windmill View, Letterkenny, passed away at the weekend. She was just 13-years-old.
Mass of the Angels took place in St Eunan’s Cathedral on Monday.
Addressing the congregation, Chief Celebrant, Monsignor Kevin Gillespie said Kalize had an extraordinary impact on everyone she met.
“Kalize was a huge personality and had an extraordinary impact on everyone who encountered her in life,” he said.
“Although we are all gathered here broken-hearted today, as we should be after the loss of such a beautiful child, still, strangely, I feel some sense of peace, of hope, and even of joy.
“This stems from Kalize herself and the extraordinary qualities she had as a person.
“The quality in her, that I have most in mind, is her courage.”
Monsignor Gillespie said Kalize had the heart of a lion.
“It amazes me, as I reflect on Kalize, that one so young could have such extraordinary maturity,” he said.
“She had, as the saying goes, an old head, on young shoulders.
“To a degree, a lifetime of suffering teaches even a child an understanding of life that many of us who are much more fortunate never really know.
“She loved life and she added so much by her own very happy personality.”
Monsignor Gillespie praised Illistrin National School, where Kalize was a pupil, saying the school had shown great kindness and support to her.
“Illistrin was very good to Kalize, as to all the other children who are there,” he said.
“She loved going to school, she loved learning, she loved taking part and everything was done to make sure she could take part.
“It is no surprise to me to see how Mr Kilcoyne and the teaching staff are absolutely gutted at Kalize’s passing.
“She was so much part of their life, almost like one of their own family.
“It is a lovely example to give to the children.”
Burial took place after Mass in Conwal Cemetery.
Kalize is the loving daughter of Sarah Louise McGuigan.
She will be sadly missed by her sisters, Sophie and Ruby, aunt Ciana (aka Putsy), uncles Martin and Damien (aka Uncle’s Day), granny Bridie, granda John, cousins and extended family.
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