‘You will be in my heart forever' – Sister of Martha Nolan tells funeral of the ‘unbreakable' bond they shared

Irish Independent

a day ago

Martha Nolan (33), a fashion designer and entrepreneur, was found unresponsive at Montauk Yacht Club in East Hampton on Long Island, New York, on August 5 and was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency medical responders and East Hampton police arrived.
Ms Nolan was originally from Carlow but had been living in the US since 2015.
During her funeral mass today at The Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow town, voices with both Irish and American accents echoed around the church – a testament to the lives Ms Nolan touched, both sides of the Atlantic.
Despite her ambition and success in America, Ms Nolan never forgot her Irish roots. Placed next to her coffin was her fashion brand and legacy, East x East, alongside a tin whistle – two symbols representing two very different chapters in Ms Nolan's life.
An Irish and an American flag were also placed beside her coffin by her loved ones, a tribute to a 'short but packed life' spent in Ireland and then America.
Accompanying the two flags was a passport, symbolising Ms Nolan's love for travel and adventure, along with a copy of St. Martha's prayer, which Ms Nolan's mother Elma, said every Tuesday. Ms Nolan was born on a Tuesday and passed away on a Tuesday.
The hundreds of mourners attending Ms Nolan's funeral mass today heard that Ms Nolan will always be remembered by her loved ones as 'loyal, supportive and full of life'.
Her partner Nick DeRubio smiled as he recalled how Ms Nolan 'had a special way of lighting up every room she walked into'.
"One couldn't help but feel her positive presence in every space she entered,' said Nick. 'Martha had a way of putting people she loved first. She loved helping people and many of you in this room have been lucky enough to experience that love. Whether it was telling me to 'cop on and focus on the good in 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,' continued Nick as he addressed the large congregation sat before him. 'Friends, family and loved ones, both past and present, we've all been lucky to have known Martha and we must live everyday with her in our hearts. May she rest in peace,' he concluded.
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Next to speak was Ms Nolan's sister, Jacqui, who spoke of the 'unbreakable' love and sister bond she and Ms Nolan shared.
"Martha, my beautiful sister,' she said. 'You taught me everything I needed to know in life. I didn't always see you, but I always knew you were there.
"Growing up with you was like having a built-in best friend. From sharing secrets, to late night talks, we have been through it all together. Through thick and thin, a sister's love is consistent. We know each others quirks, dreams and fears. The bond between us sisters is unique and unbreakable.'
While saying to goodbye to her sister one final time, Jacqui thanked Ms Nolan for making her life brighter, for the 'countless' memories and for always loving her.
"So here's to the sisters, the ones who make life brighter, who know you best and who love you the most. Cheers to the laughter, the tears and the countless memories that were made.
"You will be in my heart forever Martha,' concluded Jacqui as applause erupted around the cathedral with not a dry eye in sight.
Investigations in the US are still continuing into Ms Nolan's sudden death. Authorities have said that a post mortem carried out by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office was inconclusive and they are awaiting further test results to decide the direction of their investigation.
In the days following the discovery of Ms Nolan's body, detectives in the US said there was "no evidence of violence" in her death. However, the circumstances leading to her death remain a mystery with investigations by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office ongoing.
It is understood that Ms Nolan's family have been informed that a final autopsy report, including toxicological, histological and other testing, will take at least three months to complete.
A second opinion autopsy, requested by her family, was completed before Ms Nolan's remains were repatriated home to Ireland.
During her time living in the US, Ms Nolan set up East x East, a luxury brand for sunglasses, swimwear and resort wear for men and women.
She was also director of operations at investment firm K4 Capital and ran an Amazon fashion brand called Duper.
Ms Nolan's family have engaged high-profile criminal defence attorney, Arthur Aidala, to push for answers in relation to the police investigation into her death.