Family's grief as tributes paid to 'Libby the Legend'

A POEM has been penned in memory of a Musselburgh woman who was found dead after going missing from her home.

Mourners at the funeral of Elizabeth McVey, whose disappearance sparked a major police search, received the tribute printed on the order of service as her family and friends said their final goodbyes yesterday.

The body of Mrs McVey was found on a beach near North Berwick, East Lothian, on 31 March, just hours after her husband and daughter made a heartfelt appeal for information on national television.

Yesterday her husband Mike was among the pallbearers to carry his wife's coffin into Our Lady of Loretto & St Michael Archangel Church in Musselburgh, where his son Mark and daughter Lynsey were joined by around 250 friends and family.

The poem, titled Libby the Legend, was written by a family friend and describes happy memories of parties, picnics and holidays with her family and friends.

In a statement, the family said: "Although she is no longer with us, we are left with fantastic memories of Libby, whose fun-loving nature and zest for life was an inspiration to all of us.

"She was a loving wife and mother, and a great friend to all who knew her. She will be sadly missed."

During the moving service, Canon Joseph McMullan told the congregation that the 50-year-old had set an example to all with her "kindness" and "goodness".

He said that the loss of the churchgoing community figure had affected everyone in the parish, but asked them all not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding her death.

He said: "Libby's death was a terrible loss to us all.

"Just the sheer number of people that have come here today has shown the kind of woman that Libby McVey was.

"There has been talk and speculation following Libby's death. We don't know the circumstances and we cannot speculate.

"But we do know the goodness of Libby McVey. One of the very good things is that so many people here gathered to support all of the family.

"The prayers of the people of this parish have been with the family since this tragedy occurred."

Canon McMullan said throughout her life Mrs McVey had been a churchgoer, and thanked her for her work surrounding the church, which included cleaning it herself, as well as supporting its youngsters.

He said: "For all of us at this parish there was something special about her. The number of people who saw the goodness of a person in an ordinary job.

"It wasn't the things that she did that marked her out, it was the kindness and the sheer generosity that she gave out.

"Memories are very precious, thankfully we have many of Libby McVey."

Libby the Legend

Libby the legend

Wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend

You may have been small

But in our hearts you were 10 feet tall

You lit up our lives with your cheery smile

It was never an effort for you to go that extra mile

Helping others was never a chore

Whatever was needed you gave even more

A light has gone out of our lives now you're away

Our lasting memories will be of each happy day

That we were privileged to be in your company

Parties, picnics, holidays and weekends away

If only you were here we'd beg you to stay

In life you were a beautiful flower in full bloom

A lovely person whose smile lit up the room

Lots of memories happy and sad

All of them precious and make us feel glad

To have been part of your life and even yet

All of these memories we'll never forget

We were touched by your kindness; you were such a good friend

All of these things have come to an end

You're up with the angels, in heaven at rest

Libby the legend, you were one of the best

Rest in peace.