Heartbreak as parents of three children pass away within eight months of each other

A community in South Roscommon has been left heartbroken with the loss of the parents of three young children, who passed away within eight months of each other.

Husband and wife Denise (49) and Gerry Collins (54) from Rooskey, Bealnamullia had both been battling serious health problems.

Denise passed away last week and was laid to rest in Drum Cemetery after Funeral Mass on Friday last while her husband Gerry (54) passed away in May of last year. Both were supported by Roscommon Hospice during their illness.

Denise (née Finneran) was originally from Cornaseer, Kiltoom while Gerry was a native of Lisbrock, Brideswell. The couple are survived by their three children, Zoe (18), Mia (12) and Jay (11).

Mia and Jay attend Cloonakilla National School in Bealnamulla while Zoe is a Leaving Cert student at Coláiste Chiaráin, Summerhill.

Family, friends and the local community have been left utterly heartbroken.

Tributes have poured in since Denise’s passing. 

One mourner, extending condolences, said:" There are times in life when words just don’t comfort those who are struggling in grief. It’s hard to believe you have passed Denise, to your children, your Mammy & Daddy will be watching over you from Heaven”.

Another sympathiser said: "I’m so very heartbroken for Denise and Gerry’s beautiful children. It’s just so unbelievably cruel that you have had to endure such loss in your young lives. I’m so very sorry for your loss x."

“Such a sad story," said another. "As part of the Cloonakilla school community, we are deeply saddened by the loss of both parents for these young kids. We will keep the family in our prayers. RIP Denise and Gerry.” 

An iDonate fundraising page called ‘Friends of Denise and Gerry’ was set up last year to support the family. Link to the page is here

In a message on the page, the family said it wanted to express its deepest gratitude for all the love, support, and donations received over the past 12 months. 

"Your kindness and generosity have meant the world to us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts," said the family.