Florence Noonan dies aged 68

The wife of Minister for Finance Michael Noonan has died aged 68.

The wife of Minister for Finance Michael Noonan has died aged 68.

Florence (Flor) Noonan, was a native of Castlemaine in Co Kerry, and was married to Mr Noonan for 43 years.

The couple have five children: Tim, John and Michael, Orla and Deirdre, and 10 grandchildren.

Mrs Noonan played an active role in her husband's political career until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's while in her early 50s.

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She became ill with pneumonia a fortnight ago and died last night at Milford Hospice in Co Limerick.

Mr Noonan spoke on national television in May 2010 about his wife’s battle with Alzheimer’s and the difficult decision the family took in opting to place her in long-term nursing care. The Minister cancelled an engagement in Brussels for talks on the Greek bailout this week to be with his wife.

Mrs Noonan’s remains will repose at Griffin's Funeral Home in Limerick tomorrow from 4pm, followed by removal at 8pm to St Paul’s in Dooradoyle. Requiem Mass will be held at 2pm on Sunday, followed by burial at Mount Trenchard cemetery in Loughill, Co Limerick.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny expressed his sympathies to the Noonan family.

"On behalf of the Government, I express my deep condolences to Minister for Finance Michael Noonan on the passing of his wife Florence," he said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael, their daughters and sons, and their extended family at this time of great loss."

Fine Gael chairman Charlie Flanagan said the thoughts of all party members were with Mr Noonan. "On behalf of the Fine Gael party, I would like to express our sincere condolences to our friend and colleague Michael Noonan on the sad passing of his wife, Florence," Mr Flanagan said. "Our thoughts, our prayers and our support are with Michael and his children on the loss of a wonderful wife and mother and a fine person."

Tánaiste and Labour leader Eamon Gilmore also expressed his deepest sympathies to his Cabinet colleague. Mr Gilmore, who is attending an international conference on the crisis in Syria, said his thoughts were with Mr Noonan and his family at this very difficult time.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said he was deeply saddened to hear of Mrs Noonan's death. "My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Michael and his children at this difficult time," he said.

"Michael has spoken publicly in the past about the brave battle his wife has had with her condition over many years and I know this was warmly appreciated by many families across the country that are in similar circumstances.

"I want to extend my condolences, those of my party and the whole Fianna Fáil organisation to Michael and his children."

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams also expressed his condolences. “My thoughts and sympathies are with Michael Noonan at this sad time. I also extend my condolences to their children at their great loss,” he said.