Much-loved fashion designer touched so many lives with her laughter, kindness and love

The Funeral Mass of a well-known and much-loved fashion designer has heard that her laughter, kindness and love touched so many lives.

Mourners gathered in Kiltrustan Church, Strokestown, on Thursday to remember Catriona Hanly, who passed away last weekend.

Her brother Alan, on behalf of the Hanly family, told the congregation that his sister’s designs were her legacy, and they would sustain and enhance the great memories they had of her.

He reflected that from the moment Catriona was born in 1979, she was “the jewel in the crown, bringing great joy to her family.” 

He went on to remember her successful career that began to mushroom at school in Strokestown and later in Taylor’s Hill, Galway.

“From an early stage, Triona displayed the qualities that would define her in later life, a natural flair for design, and elegance with one common theme — that she would light up her school uniform with the threshold of compliance and indeed beyond through the variation of the uniform skirt and the addition of a silk scarf, and any embellishment that would transform a benign uniform into a glamourous outfit.

“There was a mischievous side to Triona. She loved all things fun and she loved to break boundaries.

“She enjoyed every second of her childhood and was never without a smile. She was the happiest girl alive and she loved life.

“She epitomised the feelgood music and movies of the eighties, which she genuinely loved,” he recalled.

Alan went on to explain how his late sister subsequently went to New York to work with fashion giant Bergdorf and Goodman in Manhattan.

“It was here that Triona began to hone her skills, particularly with fabrics,” he said.

The large congregation heard that Catriona subsequently returned to Dublin before going to London, where she further enhanced her skills and creativity. She came back to Dublin where she opened stores, primarily in interiors.

“Catriona always had an interest in jewellery design, and she produced many original items of jewellery that were very popular with the public.

“Her true calling was fabrics where she excelled. She travelled the world, particularly the Far East in pursuit of fabrics, which allowed her to design amazing pieces that earned her true following of the great and good.

“Our parents are very proud of what Catriona achieved. Her clothing pieces will be a lasting legacy for the short and beautiful light she shone on everyone’s life with an abundance of charisma, drive and ambition that drove her forward.

She had a very positive, can-do attitude. She was definitely a believer in the phrase ‘no job is too big or too small’.

“The condolences reflect her affection, generosity and an ability to light up a room, and to make those around her feel special.

“Her laughter, her kindness and her love touched so many lives. These were Triona’s true qualities.

“Although our hearts are broken without her, we take comfort in knowing that heaven has gained a beautiful soul. Our loss is heaven’s gain," he concluded.

Her brother Enda, in a reflection, talked about the brightness that Catriona brought into everyone’s lives.

“Though her sewing machine may be still, the treads run through all of us in the memories we share, the smiles she inspired and love she leaves behind.

“Triona lived as though life was a ballroom, and she always led the dance.

“Triona knew that life isn’t something to tip-toe through, and she ran at it with open arms, with laughter and with scarves flying.

“Someone like Triona never really fades but becomes part of the light that guides us through the tough days.

“So let this gathering not be a shadow, but a celebration lit with grace. For her story doesn’t end here, it is carried in every life she has touched, in every memory worn as lace.” 

Before the Funeral Mass commenced, symbols of Catriona’s life were brought to the altar, including a cushion, which reflected her gift for creating beauty and comfort; a book by Gucci, which highlighted her love of classical design where she frequently sought inspiration; one of Catriona’s suits which showcased her craftmanship, flair and unmistakable touch of class; a hat, which showed Catriona’s signature sense of style; a statue of a dog which demonstrated her love of animals; one of the many awards that Catriona won in the fashion industry and, finally, Catriona’s phone, which she used for her business and to connect with the people she knew and loved.

The late Catriona Hanly is lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her heartbroken family — beloved daughter of Bertie and Imelda; cherished sister of Alan, Marcus, Enda and Tara; sisters-in-law Olga, Linda and Sinead; brother-in-law Neil.

Catriona is also fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, aunts, uncle, cousins, relatives, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends in Ireland and around the world.

Following her Funeral Mass, she was laid to rest in Strokestown Cemetery.

May she Rest In Peace.