Mary Patricia Obituary: Mary Patricia ‘Pat’ McCaughern, Beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmother, Dies Peacefully at 23 Shandon Park, Ballymoney, on October 1, 2024: Funeral to Be Held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Donations Requested in Lieu of Flowers
The McCaughern family, along with the Ballymoney community, mourns the loss of Mary Patricia McCaughern, affectionately known as Pat, who passed away peacefully at her home on October 1, 2024. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Pat leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and enduring strength. Surrounded by the warmth of her family at her home at 23 Shandon Park, Ballymoney, Pat’s death marks the end of a beautiful chapter in the lives of those she held dear. She was 72 years old at the time of her passing.
Pat McCaughern was a woman of immense kindness and unwavering devotion to her family. She was the cherished wife of Maurice McCaughern, a partnership that spanned decades and was filled with love and companionship. Together, they built a life centered around their family, raising their three children, Lindsey, James, and Stewart, with the same care and commitment that defined their marriage. Pat’s nurturing nature extended to her role as a grandmother, where she became known as “Gaga” to her beloved grandchildren, Bethany, Flynn, and Casey. Though she tragically lost her grandson Ollie, Pat continued to carry his memory in her heart, never letting the pain of loss diminish the love she had for all of her grandchildren.
The bond Pat shared with her family was one of the defining aspects of her life. She held a special place in her heart for her sons-in-law, Neil and Nicola, who were as much a part of her family as her own children. Pat’s generosity of spirit, her willingness to offer advice, comfort, and love, was evident in every interaction she had with her family. Her home was a place of warmth, where the door was always open, and her family found refuge in her wisdom and kindness. She was the anchor of the McCaughern family, a role she filled with grace until the very end of her life.
Mary Patricia, or Pat as she was known to many, was born and raised in Ballymoney, where she spent her entire life. Her roots ran deep in the local community, where she became known for her involvement in various charitable activities, her presence in the church, and her love for her neighbors. Pat was a dedicated member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, where she worshipped faithfully alongside her family. Her devotion to her faith was a central part of her life, and she drew strength from her beliefs, particularly in times of hardship and loss. The church, where she spent many hours in prayer and reflection, will host her funeral service on Thursday, October 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., a fitting farewell for a woman whose faith guided her through life.
Pat’s passing has left a deep void in the hearts of her family and the broader Ballymoney community. As the family prepares to say their final goodbyes, they have requested privacy during this difficult time, choosing to grieve the loss of their beloved Pat in the quiet sanctuary of their home. The McCaughern family has asked that their home at 23 Shandon Park remain private during the days leading up to the funeral, allowing them the space to mourn the woman who was the cornerstone of their family.
Following the funeral service at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Pat will be laid to rest at Ballymoney Cemetery, where she will be reunited with her late grandson Ollie. The interment will be a moment of profound sorrow and remembrance for the family, as they reflect on the life of a woman who gave so much of herself to those she loved. The family has also requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Macmillan Cancer Support, c/o DJM Robinson & Son, located at 121 Culcrum Road, Cloughmills, BT44 9DT. This gesture reflects Pat’s commitment to helping others, a quality that defined her life and continues to shape her legacy.
At the time of this publication, the exact cause of Pat’s death has not been disclosed. While the family has chosen to keep this aspect of her passing private for the time being, updates will be provided if and when the family wishes to share more details. Regardless of the circumstances, the loss of Pat is deeply felt by all who knew her, and her memory will continue to be honored through the countless lives she touched.
Pat McCaughern’s life was a testament to the power of love, family, and faith. She was a woman who found joy in the simple pleasures of life—spending time with her grandchildren, tending to her garden, and gathering with her family for Sunday dinners. Her laughter, her smile, and her gentle wisdom were gifts she gave freely, and her absence will be keenly felt in the days and weeks to come. Yet, those who knew her take comfort in the knowledge that Pat lived a full and meaningful life, surrounded by the people she loved most.
As her family reflects on her life, they are reminded of the many ways in which Pat made the world a better place. Whether it was through her work in the church, her efforts to support charitable causes, or her role as a mother and grandmother, Pat’s legacy is one of kindness, compassion, and selflessness. She gave of herself in every way, and in doing so, she left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew her long after she is gone.
In her final months, Pat faced her illness with the same quiet dignity and strength that characterized her entire life. Though the battle with her health was difficult, she never wavered in her faith or her love for her family. Those close to her recall her grace in the face of adversity, her determination to spend as much time with her loved ones as possible, and her unwavering belief that she would one day be reunited with those who had gone before her.
As the community of Ballymoney prepares to bid farewell to one of its most beloved members, there is a deep sense of loss. Yet, there is also a profound gratitude for the life that Pat lived and the impact she had on so many people. Her death marks the end of an era for her family, but her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her. The McCaughern family, while grieving, is comforted by the knowledge that Pat’s spirit will remain with them, guiding them and watching over them as they move forward.
For those who wish to pay their respects, the funeral service will be a chance to celebrate Pat’s life and to offer support to the family during this difficult time. The service at Trinity Presbyterian Church will be an opportunity to remember the woman who meant so much to so many, and the subsequent interment at Ballymoney Cemetery will provide a final moment of reflection and farewell.
As the family navigates the coming days, they have expressed their deep appreciation for the outpouring of love and support they have received from friends, neighbors, and the wider community. The cards, messages, and donations made in Pat’s memory have been a source of comfort during this incredibly difficult time. They have asked that anyone wishing to contribute to Pat’s legacy consider making a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support, a cause close to Pat’s heart, in lieu of traditional floral arrangements.
Mary Patricia McCaughern, known lovingly as Pat, lived a life defined by love, family, and faith. Her passing leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength, one that will continue to inspire those who knew her for years to come. While her family and friends mourn her loss, they also celebrate the many ways in which she made the world a better place. Pat’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her spirit will continue to guide those she loved most.