HEARTBREAKING tributes have been pouring in for a mum who was "always smiling" after she sadly lost her life following childbirth. Mary – who was originally from the Philippines – had a son, Hermes, 6, and new born daughter Hera, who she welcomed into the world this month. However, just a few days after Hera was born, Mary suffered complications following childbirth and sadly passed away on Friday.
The 34-year-old leaves behind her loving husband Homer and their "two beautiful children". Mary had moved to Co Down to work as a nurse in Carnalea Care Home two years ago with her partner Homer and son Hermes. Pals told how the family "grew a life" in the town, which is located just outside Bangor, and "made real connections".
Paying tribute to Mary, colleagues and friends at Carnalea Care Home said they are "deeply saddened" by her death. They wrote: "I'm sure a lot of you would have seen her in the unit, Mary was always smiling and she will be sorely missed, we as a family in Carnalea want to help Mary's family in any way we can." They have set up a GoFundMe for the mum's family to help her partner Homer with funeral arrangements and transport back home to the Philippines with their son and new born daughter.
The pals wrote: "Due to these unforeseen circumstances this has left Homer having to cope financially and to afford funeral costs while also looking after his six year old son and new born baby. "As a family here at Carnalea we want to help Homer in any way possible towards funeral costs and to ease their financial burden, including their flights home, so please if you can make any small donation it’s greatly appreciated." The fundraiser, which can be accessed on the GoFundMe website , has so far raised a total of £13,022 out of its £12,000 target through 759 donations.
The care home staff praised the "phenomenal" support they have received so far and yesterday told how they are "so grateful" to everyone who has stepped up to help. They said: "Folks thank you so much for all your donations; everyone here is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support. "With the money raised so far, Mary’s family will be able to secure a funeral and memorial service that does her and her family justice.
"We are still raising money for flights home and other financial burdens so Mary’s family can grieve uninterrupted and support them with their children, including the arrival of their baby girl." More heartbreaking tributes are continuing to roll in for beloved Mary, with one person describing the tragedy as "so desperately sad". Another said: "Rest in paradise my dear friend Mary.
" A third added: "So sorry to hear this! She was a beautiful soul xxx sending love to Homer and their two children." Another mourner said: "Mary you will be forever missed. My sympathy to Homer, kids and family.
Rest well in God's loving arms.".
