Joint funeral held for "kind" and "special" couple murdered in Portadown

By Adam Evans

A joint funeral service has been held for Michael and Marjorie Cawdery who were murdered in Portadown.

The couple, who were both 83, were found dead at their home in Upper Ramone Park almost two weeks ago. 

The service held in Drumcree Parish Church, Portadown was conducted by Revd Gary Galway.

A large number of mourners attended the service along with members of the close family circle from the USA, Isle of Man, Britain and many parts of Ireland.

Michael's brother Paddy, his sister Sally and Marjorie’s brother Ned, plus their three children Shirley, Wendy and Graham, son-in- laws Brian and Charles, and four grandchildren, Peter, Calum, Alex and Tasha were among those in the congregation.

Emotional funeral service for Portadown murder victims Michael and Marjorie Cawdery. More on Q Radio news at 4 pic.twitter.com/uPlrBpQlUV

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 8, 2017

Colin Wilkins, Marjorie’s nephew, delivered her eulogy describing Marjorie as “one of the most lovable people that I will ever know. The best words to describe Marjorie are "kind" and "lovely" and her greatest quality – loving kindness. Marjorie was an incredibly soft-hearted, patient and generous person. She was a delight to be around. She loved life and made everyone around her happy, with her positive sense of fun – and the fact that she was always more interested in other people rather than herself. Nobody who knew Marjorie will ever forget how special she was – we will carry memories of her in our hearts forever."

In his eulogy for his brother, Paddy said that "Michael possessed a bright and inquisitive mind. To the end, he was engaged in using his skills to the benefit of others through the medical and veterinary communities in Britain and Ireland."

The Revd Galway also paid tribute to the couple in his address saying "A person once said that it is not words but actions that speak louder and to witness love in action is a beautiful thing. I have witnessed this love in action through the family, through friends, through the church and through the community and I have to say it is beautiful. No one can dispute that a horrible act was committed and the family have been devastated by such an act, but they remain resilient and continue to be such a comfort and strength to each other. My heart and the heart of this community goes out to the family and I know from speaking to many within our church and in the local community who are in faith, that they continue to uphold the family in their prayers."