The funeral for Mirjana Pap, who was murdered in Athlone two weeks ago, has heard how she had loved her family dearly and "her heart of gold is something all who knew her will miss the most".
Her son Bojan Pap told those gathered at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Coosan, Athlone, this morning that his mother, who was born in Croatia, "grew up in poverty but yet always looked to help others".
Her daughter Lora told the congregation that her mother was "a spark, an open book and a mammy to everyone".
She said her mother, who worked at the Athlone Accommodation Centre, had welcomed so many people in with open arms and she was loved so deeply by so many.
Ms Pap, who was 58, moved to Ireland over 20 years ago.
Her body was found on lands close to Clonark in Co Roscommon, around 10km from Athlone, on 30 December.
Nebjosa Pap, 31, of Beechville in Athlone has been charged with her murder.
