'We'll make you proud' - Moving funeral tribute for beloved Mayo teacher

Friday brought another day of sombre scenes in Claremorris, as Saint Colman’s Church was packed with mourners honouring the life and times of Mayo teacher Natasha Warde.

Natasha passed away earlier this week in the Mayo Hospice, bringing sadness throughout her hometown.

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As the funeral procession filed into the south Mayo church, lead by her mother Ann, her siblings Michael, Patrick, Colman, Gregory, Nina, and Aisling, it was clear that Natasha was held in wide regard, evidenced by the fact so many from the many spheres of life that she touched flocked to pay their respects.

From her loving and caring family and friends, to her adoring students in Scol Mhuire Gan Smál, and those who knew her from her time in politics.

The loss was made all the more acute for the Warde family by the fact that they had lost Natasha’s father, Greg, in late April.

Before the start of the funeral service, Natasha’s twin, Aisling, took to the altar to reflect on what her sister brought to life.

“Please bear with me,” she started. “This is the most difficult thing I've ever had to do.

“It's hard to put into words how much Natasha means to me and to our family. There just aren't enough words, and even if there were, I don't think they could ever truly capture the depth of our love for her or the pain we feel now that she's gone.

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"Natasha wasn't just my sister; she was my twin. My other half. My lifelong companion. The one who knew me in a way no one else ever could.

“From our very first breath in this world, we were side by side and for all the years that followed, we shared a connection that was deep, unspoken and unbreakable.”

Aisling also spoke of her sister’s passion for her vocation.

“She never saw teaching as a job; it was a calling, a joy, a way to pour her heart into something meaningful.”

She also touched on the wide circle of friends she had made, whether it was in school or University College Galway.

Natasha’s relationship with her parents was special, and deserved particular attention from her twin, and the near-sanctity of nights in drinking wine and watching Netflix with her mother.

“Natasha and Dad shared a special bond. They could talk for hours into the night about politics, history, travel, and so much more. Dad was so proud when Natasha entered the world of politics.

“She ran in the local elections for Sinn Féin, and even though she didn't succeed the first time, she was determined; she had already made up her mind that she would run again. 

“Sadly, she never got the chance.

“Now Natasha and Dad are together again, and we take comfort in that thought. In knowing they're side by side once more, watching over us and sending us strength.”

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Aisling’s closing words as she bid farewell to her sister were as touching as they were heart-rending.

“My other half. My twin, I will miss you forever, and we will hold you in our hearts always.

“We will make you proud, Natasha. I love you.”

The applause that followed was suitable of a beautiful encapsulation of what made Natasha unique and special to all who were fortunate enough to interact with her

At the start of the service, gifts were brought forward which symbolised the many strands of life which made up Natasha.

Kate and Bonnie brought up pictures of her family, highlighting her pride in her family, as well as the achievements of her nieces and nephews.

John and Arthur brought a tricolour and a history book to the altar. Natasha was known to be a proud patriot who took a marked interest in the history and happenings of her nation.

Lola and Delia bring up suncream, moisturiser and makeup. The stunning weather on Friday was almost poetic, given her love of the sun and travelling. Her make-up was a symbol of her passion for looking her best and meeting up for a night with her friends.

Up next was a radio and a music t-shirt, brought forward by Charlie and Mark. Music was a cornerstone of her life, and the interspersal of traditional Irish music throughout the service further highlights that. Midwest Radio was a constant. The t-shirt represented her love for live music and attending gigs throughout the years.

Mairead and Mary brought a pencil case and school books to the altar. Natasha made a lasting impact among staff, students and parents alike.

Lastly, Natasha’s dress and necklace were taken forward, underscoring Natasha’s love of dressing up and meeting her sisters and friends.

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The funeral celebrant, Father Peter Gannon, spoke of the many connections and memories those who were ‘honoured to have that great privilege’ of meeting Natasha would cherish, including a time when she came to his door during a particularly difficult week with a bottle of wine, a book, and a houseplant.

“That was typical of her: so thoughtful, so discreet, so gentle,” he reminisced, as he also labelled her ‘the height of elegance, and ‘a woman of great ability to give an atmosphere of quiet and calm’.

“She put everyone else first, even right through her illness.”

As the service was drawing to a close, Natasha’s brother, Colman, took some time to thank everyone who helped Natasha and her inner circle through a tumultuous time.

The long list of people who put their shoulder to the wheel to help Natasha through her illness and rallied around in recent weeks was a symbol of just how many people she touched in life.

She was kind, caring, vibrant, and brought an energy which will continue to burn brightly in the souls of her family, friends, students, and everyone who knew her.

Following the funeral, Natasha was taken to Saint Colman’s Cemetery.

May she rest in peace.