Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra lived “packed life”, funeral told

Carlow woman’s partner tells mourners Martha “had a special way of lighting up every room she walked into”

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.

The priest told the congregation that people had travelled “from so many parts to be here to support Martha’s family”.

Among the symbols brought forward to represent Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra’s life was her passport, her brand East x East, a makeup 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.

The prayers of the faithful mentioned Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra’s grandparents, her partner Nick DiRubio and her friends, who saw her as “loyal, supportive, and full of life”.

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.”

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