Maura Heffernan died on March 23rd after suffering a brain bleed while on holidays in Alberta, Canada.
The 65-year-old was on a surprise trip of a lifetime to visit her daughter Karen and her three grandchildren Aaron, Darren, and Susan whom she had not seen since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Maura, who travelled to Canada with her daughter Helen and son-in-law Stephen, suffered a brain haemorrhage on March 20th, just six days into her trip.
They rushed to her side when they heard noises coming from the bathroom, believing she was having a stroke as she couldn’t speak.
“The holiday of a lifetime turned into a holiday from hell," Stephen Curtain told the Limerick Leader.
“At eight in the morning we were awoken to hear Maura.”
Two hours later, the family were told she had suffered a brain bleed.
They were unaware of any underlying conditions and she had been cleared to travel by her doctor as she had surgery on her back last year.
Maura was repatriated to Ireland ahead of the funeral which will take place on Friday April 4th arriving at Shannon Crematorium at 12pm following removal from her home.
She is reposing at Riedy's funeral home, Newcastle West, on Thursday 3rd April from 6pm until 8pm.
“Formerly of Kilkee, Co. Clare, Maura died peacefully on March 24th, 2025 in the wonderful care of the Foothills Medical Centre, Alberta, Canada,” her death notice reads.
“Predeceased by her Father Daniel O'Gorman, and brother Flan O'Gorman.
“Maura will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Gerry, daughters Helen, Karen & Lynda, sons Dominic & Colin, sons-in-law Stephen, Micheál & Tom, daughters-in-law Bianca & Nicola, her 10 grandchildren, mother Mary, sister Yvonne, brothers Dermot, Joe, and Ray, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
“Home strictly private. Family flowers only please.Donations if desired to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.”