THE sister of Amanda McManus, who died suddenly last Wednesday, has paid tribute to a Lisnaskea woman who will “live on forever in the people she held close”.

Wendy Hall, who was unable to travel home for the funeral of her 36-year-old sister, gave an emotional farewell to her sister from the other side of the world.

Eldest daughter to Kenneth and Linda Hall, Amanda was one of three sisters, along with Wendy and Susan.

Wendy said Amanda enjoyed being the singular focus of their attention until she got a sister and ready-made best friend when she had just turned two years old, Wendy.

“Two soon became three, when Susan came along when Amanda was four years old. And then the real fun began,” said Wendy.

“Amanda took her job as being the oldest sister very seriously, making sure everything happened when it was supposed to, but most importantly, making sure everyone felt her love. And this never changed. In fact, as she got older, her ability to be all things to all people only got stronger.”

Wendy recalls that while school was not the most important thing on Amanda’s mind, she still took it seriously and this was seen in the great grades she achieved which allowed her to go on to university, not once but twice.

‘Lifelong friendships’

“Whilst at university she continued to take her studies seriously, but also made sure she had time to develop what would be lifelong and true friendships.

“Friends she knew would show up when she needed, because there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them.”

It was on this journey that she met her loving husband, Frainc.

“And this was a journey, but as they say, true love conquers all, and this it did.

“Amanda and Frainc’s love story is the reason we have two beautiful, happy, confident little girls – Katie and Charlotte.

“Some might think that loving two little humans as much as Amanda did might mean she didn’t have enough love for anyone else, but it was the opposite. The seed of love these girls planted grew into trees with roots that reached her entire community,” Wendy added.

Being part of the community was important for Amanda, as Wendy explained. If there was an event taking place, her sister was there to help out to try and make it the best it could be.

“She worked so hard behind the scenes to ensure everything she did was to the best of her ability and that every person she met felt special.

“She made it look effortless, and I believe she loved being so connected to her world, it was effortless.”

The love Amanda showed will live long in those close to her, as Wendy added.

‘Her love and kindness’

“We truly were blessed to have every minute, every day and every year with Amanda. Her love and kindness will live on forever in the people she held close; she planted her roots so deeply, nothing could destroy her love.”

Amanda was laid to rest on Sunday, May 16, following a funeral service at Aghavea Parish Church, with burial in the adjoining graveyard.

She will be sadly missed by her husband, children, parents, sisters, Granda Derek, parents-in-law Frank and Liz, as well as her nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and a large circle of family and friends.

Funeral arrangements were by Swift & McCaffrey Funeral Directors.