Tributes paid after discovery of missing midwife's body in Tipperary

Olivia Kelleher

Tributes have been paid to “compassionate midwife” Grace Aseidua Benyin, whose body was found earlier this week, a month after she was reported missing from Clonmel in Co Tipperary.

The body of the mother of four was discovered by a person out walking in the countryside near the Holy Year Cross, some 4km south of Clonmel, on Monday.

A postmortem was carried out at University Hospital Waterford by State Pathologist, Dr Heidi Okkers.

Gardaí say that the 36-year-old native of Ghana was not a victim of foul play. The death is being treated as a “personal tragedy.”

Grace was last seen in Clonmel during the morning of November 21st. Locals in Clonmel had organised searches and held vigils in the aftermath of her disappearance.

The “Find Grace Benyin” Facebook page issued a statement in which they said that Grace was a source of light to all those who knew her.

“Grace was many things to many people a devoted mother, a loving wife, a compassionate midwife, a cherished daughter, a loyal friend, and a pillar within the community.

"In the true Ghanaian sense, Grace was not only a mother to her own children, but a mother to many and sister to all. She served with a generous heart, open hands, and a gentle spirit, always guided by love, faith, and service to others.

"Grace was light. She carried warmth wherever she went, and her presence brought comfort, laughter, and reassurance. It is a deep sorrow that we could not find her alive, a pain that words cannot fully carry.

"Yet, even in our grief, we are grateful that she has been found and returned to us, so she may be laid to rest with dignity, honour, and the love she so richly deserves.

"Her children will miss her voice, her prayers, her guidance, and her embrace. Her husband will miss his partner, his confidant, and his strength.

"As a family, as a community, and as a people, we will miss Grace profoundly. In tradition, when one person passes, the whole community mourns, and today, we mourn together.”

Meanwhile, “heartfelt gratitude” was paid to the Tipperary Rescue Team and the Carrick-on-Suir Team for their “tireless efforts and compassion.”

“We also thank everyone in the WhatsApp group and all who stood with the family during this painful and traumatic journey. Your patience, prayers, messages, and quiet presence reflected the true meaning of community.

"We also remember the walker who found Grace. This was a deeply traumatic experience, and we hold them in our thoughts and prayers, asking that God grants them comfort, healing, and peace.”

A vigil for Grace will be announced in due course. It is requested that her family be given space to “grieve and gather strength.”

"All those who mourn Grace are also asked to also celebrate her kindness, laughter, strength and love.

“Let us tell her stories, sing her praises, and keep her legacy alive. In true Ghanaian tradition, we say: a good name never dies.

"Let Amazing Grace continue to shine through us in our compassion, our unity, and our care for one another.

"Once again, we thank everyone for your support, respect, and love. Please remember to be kind, to be gentle with one another, and to walk with empathy, for many are grieving. Rest well Grace.”