41 year old, Emma Reid lived at home in Drumcor Hill, Cornagrade in Enniskillen and suffered from heart disease from birth. Emma had an operation on Saturday, but sadly passed away on Sunday last, January 14th. 

Emma was a former student of St Fanchea’s College, Enniskillen and St Teresa’s Primary School, which is now Holy Trinity Primary School. 

Emma’s sister Laura Boyle told the Herald this week: “Emma had been sick since birth and she has been attending the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for years. She had genetic heart disease and a number of different problems. She used to go up to the hospital every two or three weeks, and the nurses would have come out here. I would like to thank all of the nurses and everyone who helped Emma throughout the years, and also the charity organisation Brave Heart NI who gave her so much support.”

Emma’s funeral took place today (Wednesday) at St Michael’s Church, Darling Street, Enniskillen with interment afterwards in the Cross Cemetery.

Laura recalled her sister as “very friendly” and added that when “she was in good form she was jolly and happy.”

“She loved giving presents and shopping. Her best friend Kate McPhillips was like a second mother to her. She brought her to all of her appointments and was here all the time. Emma and Kate loved going down to Bundoran, and playing on the slot machines. 

“We are a close knit family and we have some lovely memories of her, but it is a very hard time for us. We had a great Christmas, but after Christmas she took sick again.”

Laura and her family have been overwhelmed by the support they received from the local community. “Thanks to everyone who have called around, the house hasn’t emptied and we could open a shop with all the stuff people have brought for us. Everyone has been so good to us, and we really appreciate it,” said Laura.

Emma is survived by her mother, Joan and father, Larry and sister Laura (James), and brothers Richard (Melanie), Steven and Kris and nephews Riley, Jack and Callum.