Family Pay Emotional Tribute To Teaching Assistant And A Mother Of Two

Noleen Thompson, a mother of two from West Belfast, died just days after testing positive for coronavirus. Martin, Noleen's partner, discovered her unresponsive in bed on Wednesday, according to Belfast Live.

She leaves behind her two sons, Jacob, five, and Reece, eight, as well as her mother and father, Noreen and Paul, and three siblings. Noleen's death has left a "huge hole" in her family's lives, according to sources.

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Sean, Noleen's uncle, said her husband Martin had called Paramedics after finding his partner in bed and not breathing on Wednesday.

“Tragically, she passed away,” he said.

"It was a shock to everybody, she is only 28 with the most beautiful personality you ever come across in your life. 

“Her young partner Martin, he is only 26 and he is left with Reece, eight, and Jacob, five, it is just heartbreaking for him.”

Sean said his niece was strict in following Covid's orders and did all she could to protect her family from the virus.

“She had posters for the NHS in the windows and things for the kids on the fridge about the Covid invasion to make it light-hearted for them so it won’t scare them,” he said.

"It is the two young boys I worry about the most, Reece will be old enough to remember his mum properly and Jacob is such a mummy's boy, he would have done anything to snuggle up beside her on her lap with a blanket around them.”

Noleen was described by Sean as bubbly, caring, and always willing to support others.

She and Martin had started renovating their joint home and had "so many plans."

"She was the center of our wee world, we called her the Queen,” he said.

He described Noleen as a "girly girl" who loved bright colors and getting dolled up while being wise beyond her years.

He said she was close to her sister Caitlin, who had recently given birth to her daughter Ava.

Noleen had been "so proud" of her new niece and was set to be her godmother.

Noleen's local community and the primary school where she taught, St Clare's, had been overcome with grief.

On Thursday, an online candle vigil was held for her at the local St Paul's church, with tributes paid to the cherished mother.

Sean confirmed that a funeral will be held in a few weeks. He hoped that the Covid restrictions would be removed in time for a family celebration on August 10, her birthday.

“I don't think our families will ever get over the hole that Noleen has left in our lives,” he said.