Community Unites to Remember Margaret Ellen 'Peggy' Murdoch
The funeral of 81-year-old Margaret Ellen 'Peggy' Murdoch, who passed away without any known next of kin, was attended by over 100 people, including neighbours, acquaintances, volunteers, and strangers, many of whom had never met her but wished to pay their respects.
An appeal was made to locate any next of kin following her death on 9 April in hospital, but no relatives have come forward. Margaret had lived in Lisadian House Nursing Home in Hillsborough and El Shammah Nursing Home, and before that resided on Wilson Street in Lisburn and Seacash Walk in Antrim.
The funeral director stated that little is known about her personal circumstances except that she had a twin brother who predeceased her. The service, held on Tuesday in Lisburn, was arranged after the appeal sparked a wave of community compassion.
At Ronnie Thompson's Funeral Church, those gathered were told,
"We have come together today to honour and remember Margaret, a woman who has touched more people than any of us could have expected."
'Sweet and Gentle Soul'
Celebrant Roisin Murphy described Margaret, born in the 1940s, as a woman of "quiet routines." She shared that those who knew Margaret at Lisadian nursing home remembered her as a "lovely lady, with a very sweet and gentle soul."
In her younger years, Margaret enjoyed socialising with friends at the local pub, though over time she replaced cocktails with mocktails. Murphy added that Margaret appreciated a good meal, enjoyed listening to singers who visited Lisadian, and cherished her cats above all.
Community Reflections on the Funeral
Joan Whyte, who observed the large crowd following the coffin from the church, initially thought the funeral was for "someone very important." She later reflected on the significance of the gathering, saying,
"And now I know what's going on, I think what's happening is very important."
She continued,
"People who came out today should be very proud of themselves, because it must be awful to think that, you know, if you die, there would be nobody there at your funeral."
Sydney Murphy, another attendee, shared that after learning about Margaret's situation from his son-in-law, he attempted to find any family members but was unsuccessful. He said,
"After hearing of Peggy's situation - she had no relatives and was alone - I tried to find somebody related to her, but nobody was forthcoming.
So, instead, I decided to come here today. In her final hour, I thought it was the least I could do."
Musical Tributes and Community Spirit
Piper Mark Smyth, who offered to provide music after hearing about the appeal, remarked,
"This could have been a very small funeral, but for Ronnie Thompson's Funeral Home making that call to launch an appeal and as you seen today, it was a huge, wonderful funeral."
He added,
"I think the community really excelled. The right word for what we witnessed today is 'uplifting'. It reminded you that there is kindness and humanity still around, even in these unusual times.
It was great to see the kids, and the carers - they are the family of the deceased, after all. They are ones who would have been with her last."
Harpist and vocalist Clara Wilson, inspired by Margaret's story, reached out to Ronnie Thompson's Funeral Home to offer her performance. She said,
"I just thought it would be wonderful to be able to celebrate her life, and I approached Ronnie Thompson's and said I'd be delighted to sing at the service today, and it was just an honour to be here."
Wilson described the atmosphere,
"It was a real celebration today, people who had never met this lady, or each other, but who were here to celebrate her life, and there was definitely celebration in the room today.
It would have been heartbreaking to think of there being nobody with her today, so it was lovely when the men from Ronnie Thompson's at the end carried her out. I did shed a tear then. I thought it was just so beautiful."
