The body of murdered human rights solicitor Ms Rosemary Nelson was taken to her home yesterday, as mourners prepared for her funeral.
Friends and family shielded her the service will be held tomorrow morning at St Peter's church. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, yesterday contacted Ms Nelson's family and conveyed condolences.
About 30 people followed the cortege of cars from Craigavon Hospital to the house. The three children were due to be taken from the house to stay with relatives. The parish priest of St Peter's church, Father Kieran McPartlan, said their mother's death had left the children devastated. Ms Nelson's husband, Paul, and the children were in a state of deep shock.
The two boys, aged 13 and 11, left for a school ski trip to France last Friday but returned to Northern Ireland yesterday after receiving news of their mother's death.
The loss of Ms Nelson to the whole community would be felt "deeply for many years to come", Father McPartlan said. "Rosemary was so dedicated to the legal profession. She reached out to so many people far and near to give them her support."
He said her generosity and love would never be forgotten. The family has asked the media to show sensitivity to their grief. "The family asks the media to respect their privacy and to keep a discreet distance as they now come to terms with their immense loss," said Father McPartlan.