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Liam Neeson's Mother Dies at 94 Just One Day before the Actor's 68th Birthday
On June 7, 2020, actor Liam Neeson was set to celebrate his 68th birthday, but the day before, his mother passed away. She was six years shy of her 100th birthday.
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Katherine "Kitty" Neeson passed away in Northern Ireland on June 6, 2020, at the age of 94. The All Saints Church in Ballymena noted her passing on Saturday during a live-streamed church service.
The service was shown on Facebook. In the clip, Priest Monsignor Paddy Delargy noted: "Let us pray for the faithful departed. We pray for those that died recently… and Kitty Neeson.”
Liam Neeson at the screening of "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" during the 56th New York Film Festival on October 4, 2018 | Photo: Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images
CHURCHES PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING
The priest explained that the details for her funeral would be revealed later. The church’s service was recorded on the social media platform due to restrictions placed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
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Most churches have chosen to host services online without risking people’s lives. However, others still host physical services but with much fewer attendees.
Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson at The Costume Institute's Gala Celebrating "Chanel" on May 02, 2005, in New York City | Photo: Gregory Pace/FilmMagic/Getty Images
KATHERINE’S SERVICE
Katherine was also a parent to Elizabeth, Rosaleen, and Bernadette Neeson. They all lived in Ballymena which happens to be Liam’s birthplace.
The actor’s mother was staying at the Slemish Nursing Home when she passed away. Katherine will be laid to rest on Tuesday after a “strictly private” service at James Henry's Funeral Parlour.
Micheal Neeson, Natasha Richardson, and Daniel Neeson at the "Billy Elliot: The Musical" opening night on Broadway on November 13, 2008, in New York City | Photo: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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HER FINAL RESTING PLACE
Her service will leave the parlor at 12.30 p.m. to be interred at Ballymena Cemetery. Katherine's final resting place also happens to be where her husband, Barney, was buried.
Liam’s father passed away in 1988. For several months, the star’s mother had been ill after suffering a fall which she was recovering from at two different nursing homes.
Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson at the BFI 52 London Film Festival on October 17, 2008, in London, England | Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
LIAM IN THE US
Katherine was firstly at the Ballymoney nursing home before going to the Ballymena which is closer to her home in Kenvara. Reports state that Liam is in New York at his place.
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GOING HOME FOR THE FUNERAL
Flight restrictions might prevent the star from being able to go pay his last respects to his mother. Tragedy seems to follow the actor just before he reaches a big milestone.
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LOSING HIS WIFE
In 1971, the actor left Queen's University Belfast and in May 2009, he was set to be awarded an honorary doctorate from the school. However, two months before the day, his wife, Natasha Richardson, died at age 45 from blunt force trauma.
THE WIFE’S SURVIVORS
The actress fell while skiing at Quebec's Mont Tremblant. She was survived by her husband their two sons Michéal and Daniel.
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