The Lurgan community has been “rocked” following the sudden death of a “beautiful” young mother-of-four.
Tributes have poured in since Heather Willis passed away on Friday, February 7.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart was among those paying tribute to the young mum.
In a post on social media, the DUP MP said news of the death of Ms Willis had “rocked the entire community”.
“There are just no words. A beautiful young mum, sister and aunty,” the post read.
“The news this morning of Heather’s passing really has rocked the entire community, but none more so than her wee family.”
Ms Lockhart added: “I just feel devastated for her husband, kids and her loving sisters.
“I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know this family circle in recent years and, honestly, [I feel] just broken for them. Praying God will undertake and carry them through the dark valley ahead.”
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Ms Willis’s sister Sharon Gordon also took to social media and said that her sibling will be “missed forever”.
“It wasn’t meant to end like this,” she said.
“You were the best mum, wife, auntie, sister and daughter. We love and miss you forever.”
Also posting on social media, Lagan Valley Vineyard church said Ms Willis was a “cherished part” of the church community.
A spokesperson added that the launch of the first Lagan Valley Vineyard church plant in Banbridge would be postponed until next month.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share some sad news,” a church spokesperson said on social media.
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“Last night, our good friend Heather Willis died very unexpectedly. Heather was a cherished part of the LVV family, as are her husband Keith and their kids Noah, Ben, Poppy, and Ruby.
“Please hold the Willis family, as well as Heather’s wider family, in your hearts and prayers over the coming days.
“At times like these, we are reminded, in the starkest of ways, that death, mourning, crying and pain are inevitable — but they are not eternal. In the midst of our grief and unanswered questions, we look forward with faith, hope and love to the day when God will make everything new.
“In light of this news, we will be postponing the commissioning of Wellspring Vineyard Banbridge until Sunday, March 2.
Following the news of Ms Willis’s death, Lisnagarvey Hockey Club, where she was a coach, observed a minute’s silence before their game on Saturday.
“Our L4s observing a minute’s silence before their game today in honour of Heather Willis, who passed away last night,” a spokesperson said in a social media post.
“Heather was a fantastic coach and volunteer of our P7 girls and mother of two of our youth members. On behalf of the whole Garvey community, we send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Willis family at this difficult time.”
A death notice for the young mum said he died “peacefully at hospital surrounded by her loving family”.
It added: “Dearly loved wife of Keith. Much-loved and devoted mum of Noah, Ben, Poppy and Ruby. Cherished daughter of the late Patricia and loving sister of Sharon and Lynsey.”
A service of thanksgiving will be held in Lagan Valley Vineyard church on Tuesday, February 11, at 2.30pm.
It will be preceded by a private burial.
News Catch Up: Monday 10th February