THE family of Sian O'Callaghan have paid emotional tributes to the popular 22-year-old.
Elaine O'Callaghan, Sian's mum
THERE is so very much I could say about Sian, so much to share, but given the way ALL her family, her boyfriend Kevin, her many friends along with the people of Swindon and those further afield reacted to the loss emotionally and the overwhelming support by way of searches, the lantern evening, the many incredible tributes received and displayed at Suju, the turn out in the town on the day of her service, this is all testament to Sian , the sort of person she was and how she touched so many people. I am immensely proud of her and thank everyone for their kindness, for so many people to be able to ‘see’ the Sian her family know and love is very comforting.
Sian lit up a room with her bubbly, outgoing, happy, optimistic nature, she would help anyone she could and was simply delightful to be around and to know.
She laughed alot, she loved girls nights in or out, fancy dress do’s, holidays, Christmas, New Year, birthdays to generally enjoy life.
I recall her school prom aged 16 she really didn’t like her hair do and couldn’t wait to let her hair down ‘literally’.
A wonderful daughter and a great sister to Liam, Lora and Aiden, one of my last memories of Sian was the two of us having dinner and me saying “you have a bit of a thing for mint sauce !” as our meal was minted lamb meatballs, mash, gravy and she still added even more mint sauce !
Quite by chance I recently bumped into a mum of one of Sians best friends from primary school, it was lovely to talk about the happy days the two girls shared. They both went to Indian dance classes, something Sian enjoyed and was good at. Whilst stood at a local bus stop these treasured memories brought both a tear and a smile to us two mums.
Memories of my beautiful daughter Sian are many and one thing nobody can ever take away or destroy, they are cherished, untouchable and always will be.
I would like to also pay tribute and say how incredibly proud I am of Liam, Lora and Aiden for their strength, support, conduct and composure, to quote Liam “we will get through this as a team”…… and we will, although our lives will never be the same after such a devastating loss of a loved one. A special thank you to Pete my wonderful partner who has and continues to constantly give love, support and help to not only myself but the whole family.
Mick O'Callaghan, Sian's father
SIAN told me a story about a Christmas dinner she was at with Kevin and his family and she was sat next to a man who told her he had some hit records some years earlier and his name was Ray O’ Sullivan, whom she had never heard of. It transpires it was Gilbert O’ Sullivan, Ray being his real name and he is a friend of Kevin’s family. So I thought it was apt to use some lyrics that Ray wrote for a song called “Where peaceful waters flow “as a songwriter and a poet he can do far more justice than I can:-
'Take my hand and I will lead you to a place where the sun will warm your heart with all its rays
'And the sky at night has such a magic glow, it’s a feeling unbelieving
'In a land where peaceful waters flow
'Where you’ll find much to your pleasure, that you haven’t got a care
'All the worries you had in you are no longer there
'Follow me and I will lead you to a place where the sun will warm your heart with all of its rays
'And the sky at night has such a magic glow
'It’s a feeling unbelieving
'In a land where peaceful waters flow.
Sian is missed everyday but I hold on to her memory and the laughs and fun she constantly gave me and for that I will be forever grateful.
Peggy Pearce, Sian's grandmother
A YEAR ago this month our beautiful granddaughter was taken from us so suddenly and from everyone who knew and loved her. Sian was so happy and had her whole life to look forward to with her boyfriend Kevin. She had only just moved in with Kevin before tragedy struck. We will always remember Sian as a vibrant, happy young lady living her life to the full. She had so many friends, some from her school days who miss her so much. She was the life and soul of any party and soon had everyone laughing with her.
We particularly remember Sian going to a fancy dress party, she came downstairs and asked “Nan do I look like a 1960s teenager?”, I must have had a question mark on my face as she said “you must know nan you were there then” we both went into hoots of laughter. I recall saying “you will look back one day Sian” (little did I know).
The last time we were with Sian she was trying to explain Twitter and Facebook then laughed and said “I don’t think its for you oldies !” we replied “how right you are Sian our brains are so full now they don’t want to take in any more information, if they do its soon forgotten!”.
We would like to say a big thank you to all the people of Swindon for their support and comfort in our hours of need it was felt by all the family. Also thank you to the police and Hillliers, their support and handling of everything at the time was much appreciated.
Sian will never be forgotten and will stay in our hearts forever,
Liam O'Callaghan, Sian's brother
Sian, a person who had the ability to make friends instantly! her style, funny sayings and nature was truely special.
She had a spring in her step which she took everywhere and was an inspiration to all who knew her! i am honoured to have been her brother and will cherish the memories i have, and shared with my sis. I will make a concious effort to take forward and embrace her great attitude to life.
I will miss our random chats and sharing of views on stuff which meant nothing in particular but now feels so important.
She was one of a kind and a truely genuine kind hearted individual, miss you!
Lora O'Callaghan, Sian's sister A BEAUTIFUL sister as well as the closest friend of mine. Her natural way of brightening up everyone’s day by her personality alone, her aura is one that nobody will forget. A truly perfect sense of humor matched with a smile that will be forever kept within my fondest memories.
I will miss the endless chats we shared as well as our advice to get us out of silly situations. Growing up being blessed as Sian as a sister was truly special. Although as sisters do, we had our disagreements haha we shared the same outlook on almost everything. From the nights spent in Kestrel, all the inside jokes we had together, a part of me is missing yet I will continue to cherish and make you proud of everything I will achieve for the both of us.
The most refreshing and beautifully compassionate person I have been blessed to have as my sister. Sian, I will miss you endlessly. But you are with me, each and every day.
Aiden O'Callaghan, Sian's 11-year-old brother
TO THE best sister of all time, Sian was funny and at times helped me with my homework. When I was sad Sian put a smile on my face and Sian looked after me, Sian was AMAZING!!
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article