A ‘devoted’ Sunday school teacher who was murdered in the Omagh bomb had been engaged to be married and was excited about the future at the time of the blast.
The pen portrait of Esther Gibson (36) from Usnagh, near Beragh, was read out to the inquiry as a fourth day of commemorative hearings got underway in the Strule Arts Centre on Monday.
She was one of 29 people – including unborn twins – who died when the Real IRA detonated a 500lb bomb in the busy town centre on August 15 1998.
“Esther was a devoted Christian who found joy and happiness in her faith,” her niece said.
“She attended Sixmilecross Free Presbyterian Church regularly, where she was known for her warmth and generosity.
“Esther was also actively involved, teaching Sunday School classes and serving as a role model for the younger generation. Her commitment to her faith and helping others was evident in all aspects of her life.
“At the time of her death, Esther was engaged to be married, looking forward to a future filled with hope and happiness.
“She was a young woman with much to look forward to; her career was flourishing, her faith was strong and she was preparing to embark on a new life with her fiancé.”
A slideshow of pictures was displayed as the statement compiled by Esther’s four sisters – Liz Gibson, Audrey Mooney, Caroline Martin and Wilma Kyle – was read out by one of their daughters.
She described how her aunt had lived on the family farm with her parents, William and Nora, and was the eldest daughter in the close-knit family.
“Esther took on responsibilities from a young age, growing up with a strong sense of duty that characterized her life,” Esther’s niece continued.
“From her early years, she showed a passion for learning and community engagement.
“Outside the classroom, she participated in extra-curricular activities such as girl guiding, which allowed Esther to develop leadership skills and foster her sense of service to others, qualities that remained central to her character throughout her life.”
The inquiry was told that Esther’s murder cut short a life that was “rich in kindness, love and promise”.
“She was deeply loved by her family, friends and community and her absence is profoundly felt by all who knew her,” the statement concluded.
Esther’s sister Caroline, who was also engaged around the same time, read an emotional poem and recalled fondly how her older sister generously offered her the earlier wedding date.
“Esther had said because I was the younger sister that I could have my day first,” she told the Inquiry.
Chair Lord Alan Turnbull thanked Esther’s family for providing evidence to the proceedings.
“Esther was on the brink of new life, full of promise and happiness, which she was so cruelly robbed of,” he added.
“Her absence will have constituted a profound loss to her family and to all who shared her company.”