Carlow fashion designer had "special way" of lighting up every room

Carlow's Martha Nolan O’Slatarra will be remembered for her “laughter and the memories made,” mourners at her Requiem mass heard.

The 33-year-old fashion designer, originally from Monacurragh, Carlow, was found dead on a boat in Long Island, New York on 5 August.

Overcast and cooler weather mirrored the emotions of the hundreds of people who gathered to pay their respects to the entrepreneur who left Carlow almost 10 years ago.

Her 10am service in the Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow Town on Wednesday was led by Fr Thomas O’Byrne Administrator and concelebrated with Fr Ivor Daniels from Galway and Fr Tommy Dillon from Carlow.

Symbols of Martha’s life were presented during the hour-long service which included her passport representing her love of travel and adventure, clothing from her luxury resort fashion brand East x East, Martha’s prayer, which her mother Elma recites every Tuesday as her daughter was born on a Tuesday and died on a Tuesday.

Other symbols included a photo showing her beauty inside and out, Irish and American flags, recalling the life she lived on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and a tin whistle showing her love of music.

Martha’s sister Jacqui, in her eulogy, said: “Martha my beautiful sister. You taught me everything I needed to know in life. I didn’t always see you, but I knew you were there. Growing up with you was like having a built-in best friend from sharing secrets to late night talks. We've been through it all together.” 

She described how “through thick and thin a sister’s love is consistent. We know each other's quirks, dreams and fears. The bond between us sisters is unique and unbreakable. Cheers to the laughter, the tears, the countless memories that were made. You will be in my heart forever Martha.” 

Nick, Martha’s partner added that she had “a special way” of lighting up every room she walked into.

“Whether it was her signature ‘hi’ or her famous hand gestures. One but couldn’t help to feel her positive presence in every space she entered. Martha had a way of people she loved first. She loved helping people and many of you have been lucky enough to experience that love,” he continued.

“Whether it was telling you to ‘cop on’ to focus on the goodness in this life or just being a shoulder to lean on. The shining light that Martha brought into this world is a reflection of everybody in this room. Friends, family, loved ones, those past and present, we all have been lucky to have known Martha, and we must live every day forward with her in our hearts."

Fr O’Byrne, in his homily to the congregation, added: “Symbols of Martha’s life, a short life but a packed life. (At this time) we allow the Lord to speak to us. Fear not, do not be dismayed, do not lose hope, I am your God. I will strengthen you and I will help you. There are so many who are asking ‘how will I get through this?’ The Lord is close to you. Martha’s name is carved upon the palm of God’s hand and on God’s heart. Martha is with God.

“Elma, Seamus, Jacqui, Elise, Ella, Rian, Patrick, Gretta, Nick, Joanne and Chris we are standing with you this morning as people of faith or love, we are saddened by Martha’s death. We gather to support you with our love, faith and presence. Elma, we gather to pray, we gather to remember that Martha was baptised in the name of the trinity.

“We are confident that Martha is with God. Martha has passed to a new reality. We will be reunited with all those who have gone before us. Martha will journey with us. God will gather us together again. We pray that Martha will now live in God and those who love her will be close to her and that they will know peace for ever and ever.” 

Ms Nolan O’Slatarra is survived by her mother Elma, her father Seamus, her sister Jacqui, her younger siblings, her mother’s partner Patrick and her partner Nick.

Through strains of the song, Parting Glass, her casket was carried out from the cathedral by eight pallbearers and to St Mary's Cemetery.

Ms Nolan O’Slatarra was found unconscious at Montauk Yacht Club. A man she was with on the boat raised the alarm and two men on a nearby yacht performed CPR.

The businesswoman was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services a short time later. A police investigation into her death is being carried out by police detectives.

A post-mortem examination carried out on her body by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office showed there were no visible signs of injury. Authorities said the postmortem results were inconclusive and are awaiting further test results to decide the direction of their investigation.