Tributes have been paid to retired chemical engineer, Stella Gallagher, who died after she was stabbed near her home in Ballinlough in Cork city last Monday.
The native of Ballinspittle, Co Cork, worked for many years at Eli Lilly in Kinsale where she is fondly remembered.
The 59-year-old, who lived in Shrewsbury Downs in Ballinlough, also had a very active life in the community.
She was held in high esteem at the Togher Community Garden, which is a volunteer led not-for-profit facility on the southside of Cork city.
In a statement, her fellow gardeners said that it was with "profound sadness" that they learned of her death.
"Stella was a cherished and invaluable friend to us all in the Togher Community Garden family. Her absence will be deeply felt by everyone here.
"We will especially remember her beautiful smile and the gentle person she was to everyone she met.
"Our garden will always hold memories of her kindness.
"We send our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, dear Stella."
Ms Gallagher was also a member of SHEP Community Choir.
A representative of the choir posted on social media that Ms Gallagher was a member "since the very beginning".
"She was a very gentle and caring presence in the choir and brought much joy to others through her singing and camaraderie," they said.
A fellow choir member said that Ms Gallagher was a "kind, thoughtful, gentle lady who always had time for a chat".
Meanwhile, her former co workers in Eli Lilly in Kinsale noted her "kind, caring nature" as well as her competency as an engineer.
One person who worked alongside her for many years said it was a "pleasure and privilege to have worked with her" whilst another stated that they had learned a lot from her "both in engineering and in life".
Ms Gallagher's funeral will take place on Tuesday at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Ballinlough.
Her husband was also seriously injured in the stabbing incident.
David Gallagher, with an address at Shrewsbury Downs in Ballinlough, has been charged with the murder of his mother, and with assault causing harm to his father, close to the family home last Monday night.
Mr Gallagher, 25, was remanded in custody following his court appearance last Wednesday.
He will appear before Cork District Court again by video link on Wednesday.
