Family express gratitude as fundraiser passes target to return Mayo woman home

A Mayo family have expressed their gratitude to those who donated in order to help repatriate a young woman from America in the wake of her sudden passing last week.

Castlebar native Yvonne Landry (née McHugh) passed away on Friday, October 3, leaving behind a heartbroken family.

Ms Landry had been living in Boston, Massachusetts, for ten years, and will be sorely missed by her husband, Rick, and his children, Ricky and Tyler.

On Sunday, October 5, a GoFundMe fundraising page was set up in order to raise $28,000 (€24,000) to bring Yvonne back to Ireland.

Within 18 hours, the total stood at $20,500 (€17,500). Today (Friday, October 10), the target has far been outstretched, highlighting the extraordinary sense of community spirit to help out the family in need.

At present, the total stands at $33,600 (€29,000), over $5,500 (€4,700) over the original target of $28,000 (€24,000).

Thanks to the money raised, Yvonne Landry has been brought home to Castlebar, where she will find her eternal resting place.

Yvonne will repose in Kilcoyne's Funeral Home in the county town on Wednesday, October 15, from 5.30 pm. Her funeral will take place at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, at 11.30 am, with burial afterwards in Islandeady Cemetery.

The funeral will be livestreamed here.

In the wake of the fundraising efforts, Yvonne's family were full of gratitude. "Your kindness, generosity, and assistance is greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten," they stated.

May Yvonne rest in peace.