The funeral of a mother and daughter who died following a road collision heard their passing has left an unspeakable loss and an emptiness in the hearts of the community in Inishowen.
The congregation heard that Natalie McLaughlin was an amazing sister, mother, friend and nurse who put everyone ahead of herself.
Her six-year-old daughter Ella was described as the sweetest soul who had the ability to love so intensely.
They died following a road collision on the R240 near Carndonagh, Co Donegal last week.
Their two white coffins were carried from the home of Natalie's parents in Carndonagh town to the Sacred Heart Church.
The Inishowen community, including children from St Patrick’s Girls NS in Carndonagh, formed a guard of honour to the Church as Ella and Natalie made their final journey.
Carndonagh's parish priest Fr Con McLaughlin said that this was an unspeakable tragedy and that a pain was felt throughout the whole community.
"This tragedy revived similar memories in so many people."
Natalie, who was in her 20s, worked as a nurse in the local GP surgery.
Symbols of their lives including a nurse's uniform, Ella's teddy and family photographs, including Ella embracing her baby sister, were brought to the altar.
Prayers were offered for Natalie and Ella, the bereaved family, the speedy recovery of Natalie's partner and their daughter, the emergency services and the staff of Altnagelvin Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
'Two young lives taken'
Fr McLoughlin told the congregation that the pain of the loss was not only felt in Carndonagh but also throughout Inishowen.
"It brought home to me the pain and hopelessness of the situation … because it revives painful memories of all too many similar tragedies that have taken place throughout this region," he said.
"For me personally, the scene revived memories of when I ministered in Buncrana, when during my time there, there was a series of multiple fatalities in car accidents and much more.
"This tragedy revived similar memories in so many people".
Fr McLaughlin said it was difficult to watch those whom we love suffer. He offered his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Natalie and Ella.
"I spoke to Natalie's parents, and just one comment was forthcoming. Natalie's mother said, 'well, at least, the only consolation I have is now that they are together'."
"Two young lives taken. No one has the answer," he said.
Family members pay tribute
During the funeral mass, Fr McLoughlin held up a photograph of Natalie and Ella, taken outside the Sacred Heart Church, in what he described as a "special occasion for the family".
Family members tributes paid to Ms McLaughlin and Ella at the end of the funeral mass.
Natalie's brother Tiarnan told the congregation that she was "the best big sister, mum, friend, niece, cousin and daughter" who put everyone ahead of herself.
"When you asked Natalie for help - you already knew the answer, yes. She was just that loving and thoughtful," he said.
"When Natalie asked, how are you? You could see how much she genuinely cared for your answer.
"As a mother, she took care of two beautiful children who were always reminded that they were the most loved in the world," he added.
Natalie would always make you feel loved for even small things.
"You'd always hear people rave about the excellent care and compassion Natalie would give.
Tiarnan told the congregation that "Natalie loved her job".
"She was an amazing nurse, which is no wonder because she was such a kind, caring, loving, vibrant young woman who would make anyone feel welcome with her smile and her soft-spoken nature".
The funeral mass heard that Ella was an outgoing, intelligent, fun-loving child who lived "such a full life in a very short six years".
'Light of our lives and the centre of our entire world'
Lara McLaughlin, Natalie’s sister and Ella’s aunt, said although six years does not sound like a very long time that it was "very hard to remember a life before Ella".
She described her as "the light of our lives and the centre of our entire world – she was so outgoing and so intelligent".
"Ella lived such a full life in a very short six years," she said.
"Her most recent holiday to Portugal, just two weeks ago, she learned how to swim, play chess and do magic tricks
"Our perfect, crazy girl with her cheeky little face and sassy attitude. It was easy for Ella to leave a lasting impression on everyone.
"We have been kept completely entertained and happily on our toes for the last six years.
"Ella possesses the biggest, craziest personality and the sweetest soul. Every emotion with Ella was heightened and so pure.
"She had the ability to love so intensely, from tight cuddles and showers of kisses to finding love notes you'd place all around the house".
Natalie and Ella Mc Laughlin were laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining the Sacred Heart Church in Carndonagh.
