Poetic tribute by friends of Fiona Lavelle at her funeral Mass

Irish born paramedic Fiona Lavelle was recalled at her funeral Mass today as living a life that was full of adventure and travel, a life of generosity, service and love.

Fr. John Murray, parish priest of Achill, told mourners at St. Patrick’s Church, Pollagh, Achill, that the past few weeks since Fiona’s death while hiking in her adopted Australia have been a nightmare, especially for her husband, John, and her parents and sisters.

“Together we grieve, we pray we hurt," Fr. Murray said.

“But this is the heavy price we pay for love."

Fiona (41) went missing last month while hiking in the Cape Le Grand National Park in Western Australia.

Her body was discovered by a search party the following day.

Fiona was married to John McLoughlin, a native of Derrycoosh, Castlebar.

The couple lived in Perth. Fiona worked as a paramedic with the St. John Ambulance in Western Australia.

In 2012 she became a naturalised Australian citizen.

In an eulogy at today’s Requiem Mass, Fiona’s brother-in-law Stephen McLoughlin said that in August 2000 she met her future husband, John.

“John says the first time he saw her cheeky smile, he knew they would build a relationship together.

"Over the following 23 years, the couple travelled to 42 countries.

"John proposed to his future wife in 2010 on top of Sydney Harbour Bridge."

The couple were wed in Pollagh Church in 2010.

Irish friends of Fiona’s delivered a poetic tribute to their departed friend at today’s Mass.

Symbols of her life carried to the altar included her St. John Ambulance uniform representing a career she loved so dearly.

Also presented at the altar was a photograph of Fiona’s beloved dog, Barney, and her passport symbolising her love for travel and adventure.

Chief mourners at today’s ceremonies were Fiona’s husband John, her parents, Hannah and Michael, sisters Martina and Siobhan, and extended family.

Following Mass the remains were brought to Shannon Crematorium for cremation.