Fashion designer ‘put the people she loved first’, partner tells funeral

An Irish fashion designer who was found unconscious on a boat in New York always put the people she loved first, her partner told her funeral.

Mourners heard that Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, 33, who was originally from Carlow but lived in Manhattan, had lived a “short life, but a packed life”.

Her sister Jacqui told the congregation that her “beautiful” sister would “live in my heart forever”.

Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra was found unconscious on a boat at Montauk Yacht Club in the early hours of August 5.

She was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.

US authorities say the cause of her death is yet to be confirmed.

Mourners gathered in the Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow on Wednesday morning to remember the “loyal” friend who had founded the swimwear brand East x East.

Father Tom O’Byrne told the congregation that people had travelled “from so many parts to be here to support Martha’s family”.

“There are so many who are asking, how will we get through this? Each grieving, each broken. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted,” he said.

Among the symbols brought forward to represent Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra’s life was her passport, her brand East x East, a photo of her to represent her “inner and outer beauty”, a make up bag and brushes, the Irish and US flags, and a tin whistle to symbolise her love of musical instruments.

Also brought to the altar was St Martha’s prayer, which mourners were told her mother Elma recites every Tuesday.

“Martha was born on a Tuesday and died on a Tuesday,” those in the church were told.

The prayers of the faithful mentioned Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra who was “taken from us too soon”, her parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and her grandparents who “mourn the loss of their beloved granddaughter”.

Prayers were also offered for her partner Nick DiRubio and her friends from the US, who saw her as “loyal, supportive and full of life”.

“May they honour her memory by living with the same love, passion and devotion she gave so freely.”

Thanks were also offered to the emergency services, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and “those who have received reach out with kindness”.

Mr DiRubio told mourners: “I think Martha had a special way of lighting up every room she walked into, whether it was her signature ‘hi’ or her famous hand gestures.

“I did that for you, Elma.

“One couldn’t help but feel her positive presence in every space she entered.

“Martha had a way of putting people she loved first, she loved helping people and many of you in this room have been lucky enough to experience that love.

“Whether it was telling you to ‘cop on’ and focus on the good in this life, or just being a shoulder to lean on, the shining light that Martha brought into this world is a reflection of everybody in this room – friends, family, loved ones both past and present.

“We’ve all been lucky to have known Martha, and we must live every day forward with her in our hearts, may she rest in peace.”

Jacqui paid tribute to her “beautiful” sister who “taught me everything I needed to know in life”.

“I didn’t always see you, but I always knew you were there,” she said.

“Growing up with you was like having a built-in best friend, from sharing secrets to late-night talks, we’ve been through it all together, through thick and thin, a sister’s love is consistent.

“We know each other’s quirks, dreams, and fears. The bond between us sisters is unique and unbreakable.

“So here’s to the sisters, the ones who make life brighter, who know you best and who love you the most. Cheers to the laughter, the tears and the countless memories that were made. You will be in my heart forever, Martha.”

The funeral was followed by a burial in St Mary’s Cemetery in Carlow.