Lisburn: Mourners gather to remember elderly woman who passed without next of kin

The funeral of an 81-year-old woman, who died without any known relatives, was attended by over 100 people who wished to pay their respects despite many having never met her. Those who gathered at the service included neighbours, acquaintances, volunteers and strangers to remember Margaret Ellen 'Peggy' Murdoch. One man who came to pay his respects said the huge turnout reminded him that there is "kindness and humanity" in the world. An appeal was launched to find Margaret's next of kin after she passed away on 9 April in hospital, but no one has come forward. Margaret lived in Lisadian House Nursing Home in Hillsborough and El Shammah Nursing Home, but prior to that she lived in Wilson Street in Lisburn and Seacash Walk in Antrim. The funeral director said they do not know about her personal circumstances other than that she had a twin brother who predeceased her. Tuesday's service in Lisburn was arranged after the appeal triggered a groundswell of community compassion. "We have come together today to honour and remember Margaret, a woman who has touched more people than any of us could have expected," those gathered in Ronnie Thompson's Funeral Church were told. Celebrant Roisin

Apr 21, 2026 → Apr 21, 2026