Woman grateful for ‘gift’ of wedding to late husband in Wicklow hospice

A woman has expressed deep gratitude for the care provided by a Wicklow hospice, which included allowing her to marry her terminally ill husband in one of its facilities, a first for the institution. Antoinette Coakley, who wed her husband Damien at Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services in Wicklow last year, described the experience as a gift that fulfilled both of their wishes and allowed them to remain true to themselves in their final days together. The ceremony took place in the midst of Damien's battle with terminal illness, marking a unique moment in the history of the hospice. According to Coakley, the compassionate support offered by the staff made it possible for the couple to celebrate their union in a setting that aligned with Damien’s desire to pass away in the facility rather than at home. She emphasized how the hospice's approach helped ease the emotional burden on their family while ensuring that Damien remained comfortable and in control of his final days. Damien passed away the following month, but the impact of the hospice's care continues to resonate with Coakley. She spoke to the Press Association about the significance of the experience, stating that without the hospice's support, she would not have been able to fulfill her role as his wife or provide the level of care that was essential for both of them. The couple's relationship, marked by humor and mutual respect, was preserved throughout their time at the hospice, something Coakley believes would have been difficult to achieve under different circumstances. The journey that led to the wedding began in 2009 when Antoinette, then known as Antoinette Carney, met Damien at a Tesco store where he worked alongside some of her colleagues. Their connection was forged through shared laughter and friendly teasing, culminating in Damien asking for her phone number later that day. Their first date coincided with the Wimbledon final, though Coakley insisted she would not miss the match entirely, something that became a running joke between them. Beyond the lighthearted moments, Damien was noted for his considerate nature, often prioritizing the well-being of his children, including Leah from a prior relationship and Mia, the daughter he shared with Antoinette. Mia, in particular, inherited her father’s playful spirit, often joining in on the family banter and using her father’s surname to tease Antoinette. This dynamic created a unique bond among the three, with Mia frequently referring to Antoinette by her maiden name, a habit that persisted even after Damien’s passing. The couple's life in Wicklow was filled with joy and adventure, but everything changed in 2021 when Damien was diagnosed with cancer. Despite undergoing multiple treatments, including radium therapy and chemotherapy, his condition worsened significantly by early 2024 due to infections. Throughout this challenging period, Damien remained determined to maintain a sense of normalcy for his daughters, striving to make each day count despite the uncertainty ahead. Now, Coakley is actively advocating for increased support for hospice care, encouraging others to participate in a national fundraising campaign set for September. Her efforts include promoting coffee mornings across the country, aiming to raise awareness and funds for the vital services that supported her family during one of their darkest times. The story of her wedding to Damien serves not only as a personal tribute but also as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassionate end-of-life care.