`When they took her they took an angel,' Lorraine's sister says

The funeral service of Lorraine Wilson (15), was held yesterday in Cappagh Parish Church on the outskirts of Omagh

The funeral service of Lorraine Wilson (15), was held yesterday in Cappagh Parish Church on the outskirts of Omagh. She died in the explosion with her best friend, Samantha McFarland (17), as they were evacuated from the Oxfam shop where they worked as volunteers.

Boys and girls from Omagh High School formed a guard of honour as the coffin, draped with pink and white flowers, was carried into the chapel by her father and brothers.

Ms Wilson was buried wearing her mother's wedding dress, the high lace collar covering the horrific injuries she received in the blast.

"She would have laughed at the teachers standing here," said Ms Elaine Ross, whose younger sister, Angela, was in the same class. "She was a very bubbly girl."

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Ms Wilson's older sister, Denise, told the congregation how Lorraine had always been involved in cross-community initiatives and was looking forward to going back to school to improve her grades. "When they took her, they took an angel," she said.

The Bishop of Derry, Dr James Mehaffey, said Omagh had been invaded by the messengers of death and destruction last Saturday afternoon.

"Many have speculated as to what was the motivation of the bombers. Certainly if their motivation was to demoralise and divide the community, then they have failed totally," he said.

"The bombing has only served to strengthen everyone's determination to work for peace." The Rev Derek Quinn, presiding, described the killings as "barbaric, terrible acts of savagery".

The congregation joined the young people of Omagh High School as they sang Amazing Grace and Candle in the Wind for their dead friend. Ms Wilson was due to begin 5th year this September.

Burial was to Cappagh Parish graveyard, adjoining the church.