‘We will remember Louise in everything we do': Tributes to former NI journalist and press officer (44) after death
The family of a former journalist and press officer who died after battling cancer have said her memory will live on.
Louise Scott-Gallagher passed away peacefully in New Zealand aged 44.
Originally from Co Tyrone, she had been diagnosed with cancer in 2023 when she was 11 weeks pregnant.
She died at her home in Lake Hayes, Queenstown, on New Zealand's South Island on May 20.
Louise previously worked as a journalist with the Tyrone Constitution and Tyrone Courier newspapers.
Later, she was a press officer for the UUP.
She had moved to New Zealand about a decade ago with her partner Craig, who is originally from Manchester. They have a one-year-old daughter, Lily.
Her siblings Andrea, Diane and Robert said: 'Without Louise, our family will never be the same again.
'We will never forget her and we will ensure that we remember Louise in everything we do and ensure that her husband Craig and daughter Lily remain a significant part of our lives. Louise will live on through Lily. This is our promise to Louise.'
Louise had been diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2023. A mastectomy and chemotherapy followed, and an ultrasound revealed the disease had spread to her liver.
Louise's prognosis at that time shifted to stage four.
Her daughter, Lily Lesley-Anne – named after her mum and her partner's mum, both of whom were lost to cancer – arrived that September.
She was born two months early so Louise could start additional treatment.
However, a year ago, a CT scan revealed her existing tumours had grown and new tumours had developed.
Her sister Andrea set up a GoFundMe page to help Louise's family pay for further treatments, raising almost £60,000.
Most of the money came from the Gillygooley community near Omagh, where Louise grew up with her family, including her dad Andrew, and mum Anne Scott, who died when Louise was three.
At the time, Louise had said she 'can't help but grieve for a future that will be stolen from us'.
'My biggest driver is that I survive long enough for Lily to remember me,' she wrote.
'Not videos of me, not stories of me, but real memories. That's what I didn't have from my mum.
'I hope one day Lily can take her kids to Ballintoy Harbour and say, 'I came here with my mummy' or, when she's listening to music, say 'daddy, I remember mummy loved that song' or 'mummy used to make this dinner for me'.
'I want her and Craig to remember us as a family of three. To have memories to cherish forever.'
Louise worked for the UUP for a number of years.
Former Fermanagh-South Tyrone MLA and MP Tom Elliott, who was leader during part of that time, knew her well.
'Louise was very affable, and very intelligent,' he said this week.
'She was always thinking ahead on things and her work ethic was immense.
'It didn't matter if it was 11pm or 7am, Louise was always there to ask questions or provide advice. Louise had a really good personality and a great attitude.
'She was very popular with everyone - even if they disagreed with Louise on some issues, it was impossible not to like her.
'From her time in journalism at the 'Con' to working for the party, all the other parties had a good relationship with Louise.'
A death notice said Louise was the 'dearly beloved wife of Craig and devoted mum of Lily. Daughter of the late Andrew and Anne Scott. Sister to Andrea (Gordon), Diane (Graeme) and Robert (Celine). A special auntie to Charlotte, Emma, Hannah, Sarah, James, Callum, Daniel and Aaron.'
It added: 'Lovingly remembered by the entire family circle.'
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