Heartbreak as young Irish woman dies after short illness in Canada

Tributes have been pouring for a young woman from Co Cavan who died in Canada after suffering from a short illness.

Emma Kate O’Reilly of The Mill, Lurganboy, Maudabawn, Cootehill, passed away on July 24 surrounded by her loving family.

Emma Kate suddenly passed away after a short illness while living and working in Vancouver.

A GoFundMe campaign was set up to help her family, who flew over to be by her side during her final days, with the costs of repatriation.

Since the tragic news broke, tributes have been pouring in for Emma, who has been described as kind and hard-working.

“Rest in peace Emma Kate O’Reilly. So sad to hear. Emma previously worked with us at Abbey Theatre on our stage crew, as she did with many others. We are all so sad to hear of her untimely passing in Vancouver,” wrote Mark O’Brien, the Executive Director of the Abbey Theatre.

“It is with deep sadness that I have received the news of the untimely passing of our friend Emma Kate O’Reilly. I was privileged to have Emma Kate in my class many years ago, she was a superstar that was as kind as she was hard-working. I have talked about her positive work ethic to subsequent classes as something they should aspire to, and I will continue to keep her memory alive in my future classes! My deepest condolences to Emma Kate’s family at this very sad time,” wrote a former teacher in tribute.

Deeply regretted and sadly missed by her heartbroken parents Kevin and Roisin, brothers Patrick (Roisin), Gavin (Tracey), Colm (Nell), godmother Anna, uncles, aunts, nephews, Nieces, Cousins, extended family, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.