The 12th person to die from Covid-19 in Fermanagh and Omagh has been described as “one in a million” by her family.

Mrs. Maureen McAleer (70) was a “dedicated wife, sister, auntie, great-auntie, friend, and neighbour”, a spokesperson for her family has said.

Mrs. McAleer died on Monday, October 12 in the South west Acute Hospital (SWAH) after a 15-day battle against Covid-19.

She was buried yesterday (Wednesday) in St. Davog’s Church, Dromore.

The family has urged the public to “do the right thing” as Covid-19 cases increase across the country.

They said: “Do the right thing. Keep yourself safe and others safe. This can happen to anyone.”

Her family expressed pride in her fight against Covid-19.

They said: “We are proud; she put up a great fight to overcome Covid-19, but that was Maureen – she made us proud every day.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, and after 15 days in the SWAH, she lost her battle to the dreaded virus.”

The family expressed their thanks to the team in Enniskillen for their dedication and care for Maureen, adding: “We will be eternally grateful.”

Describing Maureen’s character, they said: “For those who had the pleasure of knowing Maureen, she was one in a million.

“She lit up every room she entered, with her great sense of humour, endless stories and all the love she had to give.

“She was truly one of those people you couldn’t help but enjoy her company. Maureen had the biggest heart, and family was everything to her – [in her eyes] they came first, she came second.”

Expressing their love for Maureen, the family said: “Maureen, we love you. You have had an everlasting impact on every life you have touched. We are missing a piece of our hearts.

“At 70, Maureen still had so much more living to do, and we hope and pray that not too many families have to go through this loss in such a hopeless and cruel way.”

Maureen is survived by her husband, Peter; her sisters, Claire McKenna and Nuala Hackett. She was predeceased by her sister, the late Veronica McGeehan.

She will be remembered by her sisters in-law, brothers in-law, nephews, nieces and the entire family circle.

A memorial mass to celebrate Maureen’s life will be celebrated on Friday, October 16 at 11am in St. Davog’s Church, Dromore.