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A tribute to Aoife O’Connor (1998 – 2012)

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An amazing, spirited, selfless, courageous, beautiful and determined young lady, who was loved by all who knew her

14-year old Aoife O’Connor who lived with her parents Mark and Claire and sisters Niamh and Ciara in Rumbush Lane, Dickens Heath, sadly passed away on Sunday 14th October of a brain tumour.

Aoife passed away peacefully, in her sleep, in the arms of her parents. The shock of her death has been felt by not only her family and friends but across the whole of Solihull and beyond.

Aoife  – who many villagers may remember as the ever-smiling owner of the amazing go-kart! -was first diagnosed with a Brain Tumour in November 2011.  She immediately began radiotherapy which finished on 30th December 2011 and she returned to school just five days later, full of determination and enthusiasm.  She never lost her sense of hope that this evil disease could be beaten and her family believe that it was this positive, fighting spirit, together with her Catholic faith and supreme fitness levels as a County Netball player, along with the support from her family and her huge circle of friends that allowed her to achieve so much and she continued to remain active until the few weeks immediately before her death.

On the wall of Aoife’s bedroom, which is plastered with pictures of the people most important to Aoife, is the phrase “Love the life you live, live the life you love” a motto Aoife’s family believe she followed right up to the end, grabbing every opportunity to enjoy her life to the full with her family and friends, whom she adored.

Always a keen baker, inspired by her Nanny Sue and neighbour Jo Kentish, Aoife continued to raise funds for charities despite her illness, raising money for the ‘Special Care Baby Unit’ at the QE Hospital, through a Jubilee cupcake stall at her local street party.  Beautiful handmade birthday cakes/cupcakes were her speciality and countless friends and family members were treated to her stunning creations over the years.

This year Aoife decided she wanted to train to be a coach for her netball club – and achieved her Coaching Certificate and trained Year 6 players for Elmdon Netball Club.  This summer she gained recognition for this by receiving a special award from the club for being an inspiring and courageous role model for her fellow members.

Aoife’s family remember her as an amazing, unique, spirited and loving daughter and sister – confident enough to engage anyone in conversation.  Everyone that knew Aoife immediately warmed to her and loved her infectious personality.  Not only was she beautiful on the outside but also on the inside too, constantly giving advice and support to people that needed help.  Her friends and sisters recall her wicked sense of humour, kind, mothering nature and endless enthusiasm for parties!

Her family would like to thank all of those who have loved Aoife and who have supported her recently, especially the hospital staff; the Solihull district nurses and the Jacey Practice in Dickens Heath; St Peter’s School staff and pupils, Elmdon Netball Club and the community of Dickens Heath, her friends, family – and especially her two beloved sisters.

Aoife’s funeral will be held on Tuesday 23rd October at Olton Friary, followed by a committal at Widney Manor Crematorium and then by a ‘Celebration of her Amazing Life’ .

Mark, Clare, Niamh and Ciara warmly invite everyone who knew and loved Aoife to come along to say farewell to their beautiful daughter and to share with them memories of their amazing Aoife who will never be forgotten. “Rest in peace, Aoife; your spirit lives on through all of the lives you touched and all of the wonderful things you achieved in your short but amazingly compact short life here with us.  A true inspiration!”

“It is only in the darkness we can see the brightest stars”

Aoife’s family are raising funds for Brain Tumour UK  - Aoife’s chosen charity – towards their vital work to provide breakthrough support, information and research on the path to a cure for brain tumours. If you would like to make a donation please visit their Just Giving page.

 

Comments

  1. Julie Sheppard says

    My heartfelt condolences go out to the O’Connor family and Aoife’s friends. I did not know her personally, but to me she was one of the ‘Faces’ of Dickens Heath. Everyone always referred to her as the ‘girl with the red go-kart’ and I always thought how beautiful and happy she looked. Another sad loss for the village, following on from the death of Blake Melbourne, who was also 14, a year ago.

    • UNKNOWN says

      Im really sorry about ur lose. She is a very pretty girl. Brain Tumors are very bad things. My heart is with you and her family. My name will stay UNKNOWNED because i dont want any credit for being nice. People take to much credit for these type of things. I just want to let you know how sorry i am. I could only imagine what you are going through right now. God is just telling you it was her time. Everyone has a time and a place in his book. Well best of luck to the whole family. I hope you are all ok and best wishes <3

  3. says

    Oh dear; what a sad and tragic thing to happen. I also didn’t know the poor lass but saw her famous go kart many times. What a dreadful thing. My thoughts, and those of my family are with Aoife’s family and friends.

  5. Rachael Harris says

    My thoughts and prayers are with the oconnor family at this very sad and difficult time. God bless you all. RIP with the angels Aoife xx

  6. Pat Trish and Family says

    We had the great pleasure of knowing Aoife and she was indeed an inspiring young lady and much to be admired. She was a great role model and was much loved by us all. Rest in peace Aoife you will never be forgotten.
    Mark , Claire, Niamh and Ciara. please be assured that you are in our thought and prayers always. Love from the Derwin family, Ireland and The Netherlands

  7. Debbie. Ross Kylex says

    can’t belive a lovely girl has been taken from this life. My son went to Dickens Heath School with Aoife and know the family. .My thoughts and prayers are with all family and friends at this sad time. RIP Aoife. Xxx

  9. laura says

    What a lovely beautiful and very brave girl our thoughts are with all the family sweet dreams Aoife all staff at DialEma hair salon <3

  10. Kathy, Douglas, Connor and Daniel says

    So sorry to hear – as a fellow Dicken’s Heath school Mum and Dan’s mother – I heard about Aoife as soon as we moved to DH in 2008 – full of life and enthusiasm with the radiant personality that was evident when you first met her. I wish I was closer to somehow help – Claire, Mark, Niamh and Ciara you have been in my thoughts constantly since I heard the sad news. Love and best wishes to you – Kathy

  13. Sarah says

    I have seen all the pretty ribbons around dickens heath. So sorry for your loss, beautiful girl aswell. Xxx

  15. Alison Bottrill says

    I have noticed the beautiful ribbons in tribute to Aiofe around the village and wanted to pass on my sincere condolances to her family and friends. Rest in Gods Love. xx

  16. Emma says

    RIP I have read all about Aoife what an amazing unselfish girl. My prayers are with you and your family. God has gained a beautiful angel x

  17. megan and family says

    So sorry to hear about Aoife are thoughts are with the family at this sad time RIP Aoife we will never forget you, you are in are hearts and in are thoughts. Amzing netball player
    RIP AOIFE xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  19. Fiona says

    Eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace x

  20. Debbie Coffey says

    I did no know this young lady but I have just read about this via Facebook…..my eyes are filling up for this poor girl it sounds like she was a happy and talented local girl. My thoughts go out to the family, I cannot imagine how they are feeling or coping right now. RIP Aoife and god bless, I shall light a candle for her and she is in my prayers………. xxx

  21. B whelan says

    so sorry to hear that aiofe had died such a lovely,caring,ad generous girl. aiofe knows there was a loving family to fall back on u are missed aiofe xx

  22. Erin Lalor, Megan Yallop says

    Aoife Lou O’connor, such a brave, beautiful and caring inspiartion you are!! Our thoughts are with you and all your family. God has gained the most perfect angel up there, we are so proud of you and we are currently sorting out charity events for Brain Tumour Uk – dedicated to you. You are the brightest star up there and we all truley believe that. so keep shining bright!! love and miss you xxxxxx<3

  23. Nikki says

    I didn’t know this young lady personally but have personal experience of how a brain tumour affects all involved when my son’s g/f was diagnosed a while back. She is a couple of years older than Aoife was. Op went well but her tumour has now sadly returned. As a parent of 6 myself, I can’t imagine the unbearable pain that Aoife’s parents and family went through when she passed away. Keep up the great fundraising work guys and may Aoife rest in peace xx

  25. says

    She was such a beautiful girl
    She was so mature
    She was kind
    She was caring

    Rest in peace
    Aoife. XxxxxxxxxxooooooooooooxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX