About 500 mourners attended the funeral of two-year-old Aisling Symes in New Zealand today.
Aisling, whose father Alan is from Stradbally, Co Waterford, was found drowned in a storm water drain close to her deceased grandparents’ home in the Auckland suburb of Henderson last Monday.
The discovery followed a week-long search. Aisling had been with her mother Angela and five-year-old sister Caitlin at the time of her disappearance.
Mr and Ms Symes, accompanied by Caitlin, lit a single candle on the altar of the Ranui Baptist Church.
Mourners filed past Aisling’s coffin, which was adorned with the Irish tricolour, a New Zealand flag and her Winnie the Pooh teddy bear, before the funeral service began.
Aisling’s parents were too overcome with grief to speak at the funeral, but her aunt, Vivian Ball, told the congregation Aisling has been on a visit to her the day before she went missing. “She was so excited being at our place on Sunday, so excited,” said Ms Ball.
Relative David Barttle told mourners Aisling’s family had been overwhelmed by the support they had received. “We can’t take it in and can’t thank you enough. The food, the flowers, the teddy bears, poems, letters, condolences and hugs,” he said.
Pastor Russell Watts told mourners of a prayer meeting being held at the time Aisling’s body was found. He said it was a sign from God. “As we were praying, the truth came to light,” he said.
A slideshow of images of Aisling was shown to the congregation as an Irish recording of the hymn Be Thou My Vision was played. One photo showed Aisling in her stroller with an Irish flag attached.
The 75-minute service ended with Aisling’s family carrying her body from the church as white doves were released. A hearse then took the toddler’s remains to a private cremation.
