Emily Helena Darwish
(née Lambe)

Emily Helena Darwish (née Lambe),

formerly of Bahrain and Saint Patrick’s Terrace, Sligo, passed away peacefully on 8th July 2025 surrounded by her family in the loving care of the staff at Fairlight and Fallowfield Care Home, Chislehurst, England.

Emily was raised in Sligo and was the youngest of six children. A wife of unwavering devotion, a dedicated mother whose love knew no bounds and a proud grandmother who carried each of her five grandchildren close to her heart, Emily was the quiet foundation of our family. Her warmth, comforting presence and gentle soul nurtured those she loved. Emily met her future husband, Abdulrahman (Abdul), in London in November 1972 where she was teaching at St. Francis’ R.C. Boys School, North Kensington and Abdul was studying Mechanical Engineering at London University. Following their engagement in 1974, they were married in Billericay, England on 26 April 1975 and had a second wedding celebration in Bahrain before returning to London to start their new life together. Emily retrained as a PA Secretary and worked at the Thailand Tourist Office and American Tobacco Company, while her husband completed his studies. In 1979, Emily emigrated to Bahrain with her husband and newborn baby daughter, where she was welcomed into a second family and fully embraced her new life creating rich memories. She later returned to her calling in education and was a primary school teacher at St. Christopher’s School in Bahrain from 1984 to 2009. Emily was recognized as a cherished colleague whose dedication, kindness and commitment left an everlasting impact on generations of students. A woman of the highest integrity – shaped by her own selfless sacrifices – each of her students always speak of ‘Mrs. Darwish’ with fondness and the utmost respect. Emily will be remembered as a woman of resilience and for always putting others before herself. Her heart was endlessly forgiving, and she always created such a warm environment for everyone around her, bringing joy to many childhoods and having touched so many people’s lives. Emily and Abdul returned to England in 2009 to spend their retirement closer to their children and relatives. In 2019, Emily was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and then Dementia later in 2022.

Predeceased by her parents Bernard (Bertie) and Florence, her brother Kenneth and sister Loretto. Dearly loved wife of Abdul, beloved mother of Roísín, Rana and Feross, and survived by her cherished sisters Pauline, Florence (Florrie) and Maura. She will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her husband and children, sisters and brothers-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

Rest in peace.

Reposing at Seán Feehily's Funeral Home, Cartron Cross, Sligo F91EH98 from 4.30pm on Thursday July 24th. Removal at 6.00pm to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo arriving at 6.30pm. Mass of the Resurrection at 11.30am on Friday July 25th. Burial follows in Sligo Cemetery. Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at https://sligocathedral.ie/live-feed-from-cathedral/

Condolence messages may be left on RIP.ie, in private at www.feehilys.ie or by traditional manner.