School leads heartbreaking tributes to ‘beloved’ SNA after death as locals remember ‘warm & kind’ mum

A SCHOOL has led heartbreaking tributes to a “warm and kind” special needs assistant who died peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday.

Fiona McKerr, from Farthingstown in Rathconrath, Co Westmeath sadly passed away on June 7, 2026.

Her death notice on RIP.ie said she died “peacefully at The Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar, surrounded by her loving family.”

Fiona was predeceased by her mother Margaret.

She will be lovingly remembered by her son Cillian, her dad Patrick, brother Paul, sister Aileen, nephew Darragh, relatives, neighbours, friends and work colleagues.

The mum-of-one was a special needs assistant (SNA) at Wilson’s Hospital School in Co Westmeath, with the school leading tributes to her “dedication, kindness and unending positivity.”

It said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our colleague and dear friend, Fiona McKerr.

“Fiona was a beloved member of our SNA team and will be remembered for her dedication, kindness and the unending positivity she brought to our school community.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Fiona’s cherished son Cillian, her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Her family have confirmed that she will repose at her home in Farthingstown on Wednesday June 10 from 4pm until 7pm, with a rosary at 7pm.

Removal will be on Thursday to the Cathedral of Christ The King Mullingar for 1pm requiem mass followed by cremation at Lakeland Crematorium in Co Cavan.

The family has requested that the house remains strictly private on Thursday before the removal.

Locals have shared their devastation at Fiona’s passing, with dozens paying tribute to the “lovely” woman.

One wrote: “My deepest condolences to Cillian Pat, Paul, Aileen and her cherished friends.

“For 15 long years Fiona fought with courage, grace and an attitude of never giving up.

“She fought this battle for the love she had for Cillian. She was an inspiration to all of us.

“I will miss her coming and going in Tullamore but I will also miss her as a friend.

“Rest in eternal peace Fiona.”

Someone else said: “Sincere condolences to Cillian & the McKerr family, Fiona is an inspiration to all, may she rest in peace & be so dearly missed.”

A third added: “It was always a pleasure to meet and speak with Fiona over the past few years. She was such a warm and kind person.

“The love and pride she had for you were always clear, and she was immensely proud of the young man you had become.”