‘Hero doesn’t quite cut it, my mum was an absolute angel' - Tributes paid to Scottish carer who died days after starring in TikTok video

Heartwarming words have been shared about the 53-year-old carer who starred in a video that went viral after she was found dead.

Tributes have been paid to a woman who died just days after a video of her dancing with a 102-year-old care home resident went viral.

Jeanette McKenna, 53, was a carer at Whitecraigs in Glasgow and became an internet sensation after a video of her having a boogie with former police officer Percy Mann during his daily exercise session reached millions.

She was found dead in her home just days later on May 7.

Jeanette McKenna was a carer at Whitecraigs in Glasgow. The 53-year-old became an internet sensation after dancing with 102-year-old Percy Mann in a TikTok video. (photos: Facebook)

In a heartfelt post on Facebook her son Alex Fernie said: “She gave her life to protect others and that was my mum in a nutshell, as long as you’re okay she’s okay.

“Selfless in every way.

“Hero for me doesn’t quite cut it, my mum was an absolute angel.

“This Covid-19 isn’t a joke, please take it more seriously or it could be your loved one.

“Keep all your loved ones safe life’s too short, it really is.

“I will always miss you Mum, always love you and forever in my memories as the best person I’ve known.

“RIP Mum ❤️ I love you.”

While there are ongoing fears of coronavirus cases spreading among care homes and frontline staff, the cause of Ms McKenna’s death is still unknown.

Hairdresser Marnie who owns Lots of Locks by Marnie in Glasgow used to style Ms McKenna’s hair and has paid tribute to the popular carer.

She said: “Jeanette was the nicest client I ever had.

“There was just something about her she left an affect on every person she met.

“It’s so so so sad what’s happened to her.

“I did her hair the week we closed and she gave me a bottle of hand sanitiser and was telling me how to handle Covid-19 if I ever thought I had it, then she was texting me the videos of her dancing telling me she had 2.4m views. She was buzzing, I honestly couldn’t believe it when I saw that she’d died.”

“All she ever spoke about to me was her son and daughter, they will be devastated.”

Friend and colleague Lauren Fowler said Ms McKenna was a “bubbly, funny and energetic woman.”

In a tribute on Facebook she said: “You would help anyone who needed it or give a telling if it was also needed.

“You were an inspiration to everyone, one in a billion.

“Work will never be the same without you dancing around the halls.

“You’re going to be so deeply missed Jeanette by everyone."

A spokeswoman at Whitecraigs said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened at this tragic news. Jeanette was a hugely popular carer, colleague and friend at Whitecraigs care home for the past ten years.

“She was absolutely selfless and gave love and support to all residents and families within her care. She will be greatly missed by everyone at Whitecraigs.

“Our heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Officers confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Ms McKenna’s death, but the cause remains unexplained.

A police spokesman said: "Police Scotland can confirm that officers attended at an address on George Street in the Barrhead area around 7.20pm on Thursday, 7 May, 2020, following a concern call from a member of the public.

“On arrival, officers found the body of a 53-year-old woman within the property.

“The death is being treated as unexplained but there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."