THE ashes of a 29-year old Limerick woman, who died from catastrophic injuries sustained in a car accident two years ago in America, have been buried in her native Treaty City.
Nicole Ryan Graham, from Moyross and Meelick, passed away in a rehabilitation clinic in Gardner, Kansas, on June 6.
She had been cared for by a dedicated nursing team for the past two years.
After been in a coma for five months the “bubbly and fun loving” court clerk was left needing round-the-clock care.
Prior to the accident, Nicole lost her job, and couldn’t afford private health insurance.
Her family – who had moved to America in 1992, when she was nine – were left with a €1m healthcare bill, which they raised along with other funds raised through charity events in Limerick and Clare.
Nicole’s aunt, Leslie Ryan Dillon, told mourners at St. Munchin’s Church last Saturday: “Nicole took everything in her stride and didn’t let anything bother her, as she was so easy going.
“She lived life to the full even though it was such a short life. Nicole has left us three beautiful daughters, who each have a different part of their mother’s personality”.
A friend from America added: “I love you so much. You never deserved any of this. You were the strongest and most beautiful mother in the world. I love you”.
Nicole’s favourite bracelet, a comfort blanket, a Padre Pio prayer book, her favourite music CD, a picture of David Beckham, and her prized Irish teddy bear, were placed at her coffin.
Curate, Fr Pat Seaver said: “She never forgot where she came from, and she talked about home all the time”.
Nicole’s body was cremated in Kansas, where half her ashes are buried.
Her remaining ashes were brought to Mount St Lawrence Cemetery.
