Kate in Wales in 2012
Following a long decline in health, my baby sister Kate died on May 15th. It was so sad to witness her suffer in ill-health for such a long time and even sadder to lose her. However, we know our sadness is only a measure of our love for her, which was immense. She leaves a great legacy in three wonderful boys: David, James and Eoin, of whom I am a very proud aunt.
When we remember Kate, we’ll hear her laughter firstly. She had a glorious, sharp sense of humour which delighted in finding the absurdities in everyday life and her laugh ran through her days like a bubbling stream. Kate would never let you take yourself or life too seriously. She has left us far too soon, but that laugh and her smile will live on strong in the remembrances of those who loved her.
The pain of saying a final goodbye to Kate on Monday 18th was eased by all the overwhelming support my family and I received from friends and extended family. They moved in like a SWAT unit and buoyed us with their condolences, phonecalls, visits to the house, handshakes at the removal, warm words at the funeral and willingness to take part in the same by reading, singing and pall-bearing; by their texts, messages, posts, mass cards, flowers, salads, sandwiches, cakes, biscuits; with their soup ladling, blaa distribution, marquee constructing (and deconstructing!); with their hugs (real and virtual), kisses, hand squeezing, conversation, songs, story-telling; with their sympathy and empathy with our grief.
Kate would have loved that wake.
Shine on, sweet baby sister x
About suehealy
From Ireland, Sue Healy is Literary Manager at the Finborough Theatre, London, a full-time Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Lincoln. Her book on theatre literary management is published by Routledge, December 2022.
Sue is an award-winning writer for stage, TV, and prose writer.
TV
Her current project, a 6x60minute TV series, is under option. She is under commission with Lone Wolf Media, producers behind PBS’ “Mercy Street”, to co-write the pilot and treatment for a six-part TV series.
Stage
Her most recent stage-play, Imaginationship (2018), enjoyed a sold out, extended run at the Finborough and later showed at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. Her previous stage productions include Cow (Etcetera Theatre, 2017) and Brazen (King’s Head Theatre, 2016), funded by Arts Council England. Sue’s short plays have been performed at the Criterion (Criterion New Writing Showcase), Arcola (The Miniaturists) and Hackney Attic (Fizzy Sherbet Shorts).
Radio
Her radio work includes nine plays broadcast on BBC Radio 4 (Opening Lines winner), WLRfm and KCLR96fm.
Prose
Sue has won The Molly Keane Award, HISSAC Prize, Escalator Award, Meridian Prize and has been published in nine literary journals and anthologies including: The Moth, Flight, Tainted Innocence, New Writer, Duality, HISSAC, New European Writers. She has been writer-in-residence on Inis Oírr, Aran Islands, and at the Heinrich Boll Cottage on Achill Island. She has also benefitted from annual artist residencies at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, and at Ginestrelle, Assisi in Italy.
An academic with a PhD in modern theatre history, specifically the Royal Court Theatre, Sue has presented her research internationally. She spent eleven years in Budapest, editing Hungary A.M. She has a PhD in modern theatre history (Royal Court Theatre) and is a UEA Creative Writing MA alumnus.
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suehealy 
May 21st, 2015 at 17:16
Beautiful words. So sorry for your loss.
May 21st, 2015 at 17:17
so sorry to hear about your loss, my sincere condolences to you and your family . ❤
May 21st, 2015 at 17:34
Dear Sue,
Sorry to hear about your little sister departing for another world. At least she won’t feel the pain anymore…one feels the tragedy even more when a younger sibling dies. A beautiful post in her memory.
May 21st, 2015 at 17:47
So sorry Sue for your loss… I too lost a sister this year to cancer….. It seems that of all the years that we were so close the last few were the most touching and memorable. I don’t know it is hard to get threw it all but with the grace of God we do… Thanks for sharing. …
May 21st, 2015 at 18:55
My deepest condolences to you and your family Sue. I know and truly value the support of family. May you continue to find strength in each other long after the sympathy cards pour in.
May 21st, 2015 at 19:23
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your little sister. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. So glad you had such loving support from family and friends. Hugs.
May 21st, 2015 at 19:30
Hugs to you across the great pond. Love never ends. . . .
May 21st, 2015 at 20:11
I can’t tell you the sadness I feel on hearing this tragic news. You and the family are in my prayers. My love to you all.
May 21st, 2015 at 20:47
Thank you Mary, I’ll pass on your condolences to all. I hope you’re doing alright? xx
May 21st, 2015 at 20:17
Sweet, sweet words for such grief. Thank you for sharing them.
May 21st, 2015 at 21:31
Sincerest condolences are offered to you and your loved ones.
May 21st, 2015 at 22:25
Sorry for you loss. At such a time, the gift of words is, indeed, a gift and you use your gift so beautifully to honour your sister.
May 21st, 2015 at 23:50
So sorry for your loss. Love this written tribute to your sister and her gorgeous photo. Your words leave me feeling as though I knew her, somehow. Kudos for your strength to write this in your time of mourning. I have a feeling your little sis has wings and will always be with you in some way.
May 22nd, 2015 at 04:10
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss.
May 22nd, 2015 at 09:31
I’m sorry for the loss of your sister.
May 22nd, 2015 at 11:37
I am so sorry for your loss.
May 23rd, 2015 at 15:55
sorry to hear of your loss – may the many wonderful memories keep you comforted..
May 23rd, 2015 at 20:01
So sorry to hear of your loss x
June 14th, 2015 at 12:30
Paula, thank you kindly for your donation to my half-marathon effort. It was truly appreciated.
June 14th, 2015 at 12:35
Just wish it could be more but overspent on my daughters birthday yesterday 😀
June 14th, 2015 at 13:03
It was plenty, and it was kind. Thank you.
May 25th, 2015 at 15:40
I am so sad to hear of your sister’s death and wish you and your family the comfort of remembering her in your grief.
May 31st, 2015 at 11:43
I am so very sad and sorry to read this post. To click “like” is so inappropriate but it is a beautifully written post. My heart is with you and your family, channel your memories and use them to move on. xxx