An Irish fashion designer who was discovered unconscious aboard a boat in New York was remembered as someone who always prioritized her loved ones, her partner said during her funeral, reports RTE.
Mourners heard that 33-yr-old Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, originally from Carlow and living in Manhattan, had led a “short life, but a packed life”.
Her sister Jacqui told those gathered that her “beautiful” sister would “live in my heart forever”, reports RTE.
Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra was found unconscious on a boat at the Montauk Yacht Club during the early hours of August 5.
Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene.
Authorities in the US have said that the official cause of her death is still under investigation, reports RTE.
This morning, in the Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow, mourners came together to honour the “loyal” friend and founder of the swimwear line East x East.
Items brought forward to represent aspects of Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra’s life included her passport, her brand East x East, a makeup bag and brushes, both the Irish and US flags, and a tin whistle, reflecting her love for musical instruments, reports RTE.
Another item placed at the altar was St Martha’s prayer, which mourners learned her mother Elma recites every Tuesday.
During the prayers of the faithful, mention was made of Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra’s grandparents, her partner Nick DiRubio, and her friends who regarded her as “loyal, supportive, and full of life”.
Mr DiRubio told mourners: “I think Martha had a special way of lighting up every room she walked into, whether it was her signature ‘hi’ or her famous hand gestures, reports RTE.
“One couldn’t help but feel her positive presence in every space she entered.
“Martha had a way of putting people she loved first, she loved helping people and many of you in this room have been lucky enough to experience that love. Whether it was telling you to ‘cop on’ and focus on the good in this life, or just being a shoulder to lean on, the shining light that Martha brought into this world is a reflection of everybody in this room – friends, family, loved ones both past and present. We’ve all been lucky to have known Martha, and we must live every day forward with her in our hearts, may she rest in peace” reports RTE.
Jacqui paid tribute to her “beautiful” sister who “taught me everything I needed to know in life”.
“I didn’t always see you, but I always knew you were there,” she said, reports RTE.
“Growing up with you was like having a built-in best friend, from sharing secrets to late-night talks, we’ve been through it all together, through thick and thin, a sister’s love is consistent. We know each other’s quirks, dreams, and fears. The bond between us sisters is unique and unbreakable. So here’s to the sisters, the ones who make life brighter, who know you best and who love you the most. Cheers to the laughter, the tears and the countless memories that were made. You will be in my heart forever, Martha,” reports RTE.
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