President Pays Tribute To The Late Pat Hume

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The President and Taoiseach have led tributes to Pat Hume, widow of the late SDLP leader and Nobel Prize winner John Hume, who has died.

Mrs Hume passed away yesterday at her home in Derry following a short illness. In a statement issued through the Hume Foundation, the Hume family said “Pat died as she lived – surrounded by family, peacefully and generous to the end. The family also thanked all those that had provided care for Mrs Hume.

The family said funeral arrangements will be announced in due course, and will adhere to Covid guidance. The wake will be restricted to family only. Although not an elected politician, Pat Hume was described as a colossus within the SDLP and her husband John’s closest confidant and an advisor.

President Higgins said: “Pat’s personal contribution as teacher, mother, in conditions of conflict, political adviser, constituency secretary and consoler of the victims of oppression from so many sources, was extraordinary in every sense. “The care, compassion and consistent support she gave was exemplary and without a hint of exclusion. Pat Hume is is survived by her children Aine, Therese, Aiden, John and Mo.