Maïa Dunphy has shared the sad news today that her mother, Helen has passed away. The writer and broadcaster revealed the news on social media saying that she “can’t believe I’m typing these words, but my darling Mum Helen passed away today.”
Continuing, Maïa shared that her mam passed away from cancer and that she “bore her recent awful illness with the same stoicism she has approached everything in life, and those of you who know her well, will know how much has happened in these last difficult weeks and how she showed concern for everyone else until her last breath.”
“I have been with her every day, and Helen didn’t doubt for a second how much she was loved. She and my Dad, her beloved Tom, are married 50 years this Friday and we will be marking it as if she were here (but without her giving out to us for spending too much on gifts…).”
Speaking about the type of person her mother was, Maïa paid tribute to her saying; “She was a remarkable woman; without pretension and with a very rare self-assuredness that was a testament to all the right choices she made in her life, and the acceptance of things she had no choice over.”
“She was the most dedicated Mum anyone could ever imagine; but even that was exceeded by her devotion to her only grandson. She and my Dad became my family unit again over the last 5 years, and I am so very grateful for their support and how much they loved my little Tom. My Mum was a second Mum to him, and I simply could not have coped without her help. I’m lost without her already. We love you Mama. Sleep well.”
Many well known faces were quick to share their condolences with Maïa on social media with James Patrice saying; “Oh Maia I’m so so sorry about your lovely Mum” and Rosanna Davison said; “Oh Maia, I’m so sorry to hear it. Sending you lots and lots of love.”
Muireann O’Connell, who lost her own father last year commented; “Ahh Maïa, I am so unbelievably sorry that you’re all having to go through this. I know how much your lovely mother Helen meant to you all. My heart is broken for you.”
Donal Skehan shared his condolences saying; “Ah so sorry to hear that Maia! Sending you all lots of love” as did Georgie Crawford; “I’m so so sorry to hear this Maia. Your mum is beautiful, she’ll always be with you guiding you through life. I can’t imagine your pain. Sending all my love to you.”
Our thoughts are with Maïa and her family at this sad time.
