Mother, 39, collapsed and died in front of her partner and three children after suffering a cardiac arrest while giving eulogy at her 81-year father-in-law’s funeral
A heartbroken mother collapsed and died aged 39 while speaking at her father-in-law’s funeral service.
Mum-of-three Sarah Healey tragically suffered cardiac arrest during her eulogy to her children’s grandfather.
Her family said life will ‘never be the same’ – and that it has been a ‘terrible blow’ to them all.
The nurse from Staines, Surrey, attended the funeral with her grieving partner James West and their three children, aged 16, 7 and 6.
But tragedy struck the family for a second time when she spoke to father-in-law Roy West, 81, on duty.
Mum-of-three Sarah Healey tragically suffered cardiac arrest during her eulogy to her children’s grandfather
Her family – including her partner James – said life will ‘never be the same’ – and it has been a ‘terrible blow’ for them all
Mrs Healey’s mother, Gladys Healey, from Flintshire, said: ‘Sarah was among those who spoke in honor of James’ father.
However, Sarah suddenly fell to the ground during her eulogy.
‘It appears Sarah may have had an attack of cardiac arrhythmia or cardiac arrest. She had no history of heart problems and we were all devastated by her sudden death.”
The horrific incident took place at Slough Crematorium.
Gladys continued: ‘It was a terrible blow to our family. It was a blow to her partner, who had just lost his own father.
“It was a blow to the three young children left behind and it was a blow to her father, Dave, me and Sarah’s younger sister, Trisha, who was at the ceremony with us.”
Mrs Healey was a registered nurse and highly qualified prescriber who specialized in oncology and the treatment of cancer patients.
She also developed her own aesthetics business and had a significant client base at her clinic, Sarah Healey Aesthetics at the Thames Valley Athletics Center in Eton, Windsor.
Her sister, Trisha Healey, said: “Losing my older and only sister is the hardest thing I have ever experienced.
‘I spoke to her every day and we had an incredibly close bond that only sisters will experience.
Mrs Healey gave a speech in memory of Roy West, her father-in-law, who died of cancer in October
Mr. West was an avid gardener. His funeral service was held at Slough Crematorium
Mrs Healey and her partner shared three children
‘Life will never be the same again, but I find that planning things with friends, talking and crying when necessary, without shame, has helped.’
Avid gardener Roy West died of cancer in October.
Ms Healey’s father, Dave, said he has thrown himself into his work and “read a lot about the sudden loss of a loved one and the grieving process”.
He added: “One of the most valuable things I have learned is that instead of falling into absolute despair, try to do something meaningful in memory of the loved one. I think it’s important advice.’
The entrance to Slough Crematorium in Berkshire