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Tributes to the warmth, kindness and wisdom of Pat Hume have been paid at her funeral on Monday morning.
The wife of the former SDLP leader and Nobel Laureate John Hume died at home on Thursday after a short illness.
Mrs Hume has been hailed around the world for her contribution to Northern Ireland’s peace process, and was awarded the Irish Red Cross Lifetime Achievement award in 2018.

The late John and Pat Hume at home in the Bogside, Derry. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien


In an address to mourners at St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry, Aidan Hume, son of Pat and John, said: “Dad would often say that he was a parcel and mum delivered him.
“But that only tells a very small part of the story. Mum was at his right hand throughout his entire life – his best friend, his closest confidant, his loving wife, his trusted adviser, his political antenna.
“I don’t think dad would mind me saying this, she was definitely the more glamorous side of the partnership. And that’s even before we consider the endless backscratching, moderating his chocolate intake and putting up with him having his dessert while she was still eating her main course.
“For us, she was the calm at the centre of chaotic times, able to impart a sense of safety and love which sustained us when the world around us was full of uncertainties. No matter how crazy or how difficult the situation, she was simply unflappable.”

Former Stormont first minister Lord David Trimble greets President Michael D Higgins during the funeral of Pat Hume. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA


Love and passion
Mr Hume told mourners of his mother’s love of teaching and passion for the Irish language. He spoke of her infectious laugh and love of people.
“Mum always focused on the positives, always smiling, always happy, deeply spiritual and had an incredible faith,” he said.
Mr Hume added: “Human connection was fundamental to mum’s existence. She was a people person. She treated everyone she met with the same respect and the same remarkable grace, no matter where they were from or whatever their station in life.
“She had an incredible ability to establish a special connection with everyone she met and to find a way to brighten up the lives of all of those around her.”
At the outset of the service, Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown paid tribute to Mrs Hume.
“The great people of the world are not those who are famous for being famous but those who help others dream that great things are possible,” he said.
‘United in grief’
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the people of Derry are united in grief as he arrived for the funeral.

Breige Rodgers (former MLA for the SDLP), Rachael Parkes (Colum Eastwood’s wife), John Tierney (former MLA for the SDLP) and Colum Eastwood MP during the funeral of Pat Hume. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA


“It’s a sad day. It’s a sad day for the Hume family above everybody else,” Mr Eastwood said.
“I think the people of Derry are united in their grief today but we’re also very thankful for the life that Pat had and everything that she gave to us and for us.
“She gave an awful lot for the people of this city and for the people of Ireland, sacrificed so much but was committed to the very end to the peace process and changing our society, to lifting people out of poverty and creating a more just Ireland, and we’re very grateful for everything she did for us.”
President Michael D Higgins is among dignitaries attending Monday morning’s funeral service. – PA