Tributes pour in for mum Catherine
The funeral of a Cork mum who lived with locked-in syndrome for 17 years is to be held privately in the coming days.
Catherine O'Leary passed away peacefully at her home on Monday surrounded by her family.
She leaves behind her son Brandon, her parents Patrick and Margaret, brothers Simon, Shane, and Patrick, and her sister Jacqueline.
Her family have asked that donations in lieu of flowers be sent to Marymount Hospice or to Gabriel and O'Donovan's Funeral Home in Bandon.
A message posted on Rip.ie shared that the funeral will not be made public by Catherine’s request.
Catherine’s family confirmed her passing on Monday morning via her Facebook page.
“It is with great sadness that our beloved Catherine passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by family and love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her,” it read.
In 2008, Catherine, who was 32 at the time, suffered a stroke during an operation to remove a brain tumour. The stroke left her with cognitive function but unable to move or speak and requiring 24 hour care. Her only method of communication was through blinking.
The tumour was discovered in 2007 after Catherine had demanded a brain scan having suffered with incessant hiccups and headaches for some time.
Following her locked-in syndrome (LIS) diagnosis, Catherine was flown to a rehabilitative facility the UK where she initially responded well to treatment. However, later in 2008 she fell into a coma and was given little chance of survival. With the support of her family, she emerged from the coma and was brough back to CUH where she remained for four years. After spending another year and a half in Farranlee House Community Nursing Unit in Cork, she was brought back home to Carrigaline in 2014.
In 2013, Catherine’s family took the HSE to court claiming that the late discovery of her brain tumour is what caused her condition. The HSE has denied the claims.
Her family has campaigned non-stop for her welfare, creating a GoFundMe page in 2020 to help with the costs of her care which required the employment of two full-time nurses.
Since her passing on Monday, tributes have poured in for Catherine and her family.
One person wrote: “To the O’Leary family and Brandon. What a legacy. To live your lives giving back so much love to someone. May you enjoy many happy healthy years. Rest in peace Catherine.”
Another wrote: “Deepest sympathies to all Catherine’s family. Catherine is free now. Keep looking up, Catherine will always be with you. Rest in peace Catherine.”