Tributes to 'beautiful' South Shields family as nurse and his parents die following coronavirus fight

A mother, father and son who all died after contracting coronavirus have been remembered by the South Shields community as a family with ‘hearts of gold’

Published 5th May 2020, 16:45 BST

Updated 8th May 2020, 00:59 BST

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South Shields nurse Keith Dunnington, 54, passed away after suffering with Covid-19 just weeks before his parents Lillian, 81, and Maurice, 85, died in hospital.

The three will be laid to rest together in a joint funeral service at South Shields Crematorium later this month.

As news of the triple tragedy broke, family, friends, colleagues and neighbours all paid tribute to the parents and son – with many adding that their heartbreaking passing acted as a stark reminder that the public should obey lockdown regulations.

Keith Dunnington, 54, died on April 19.

Keith Dunnington, 54, died on April 19.

Keith worked on the NHS frontline for more than 30 years and was employed as a staff nurse at the QE Hospital in Gateshead at the time of his death.

Lillian and Maurice were remembered fondly by their niece Debbie Harvey in a touching tribute, where she spoke of time they all spent together as a family.

Here are your tributes to Keith, Lillian and Maurice Dunnington from our social media pages:

Jennifer Gilchrist: “Heartbreaking for the family to lose three family members. RIP, thoughts are with family and friends.”

Keith, centre, pictured with dad Maurice and mum Lillian.

Keith, centre, pictured with dad Maurice and mum Lillian.

Catherine Lowson: “My heart aches for this poor family. RIP.”

Adrienne Arthur: “This is the stuff of nightmares, three members of the same family – heartbreaking.”

Shannon Cutter: “They were absolutely amazing! Hearts of gold they were our neighbours but more like family. Treated me like one of their own from the day I was born. We are going to miss you both, I’m glad you’re both together, sleep tight.”

'They were really loved' - Family's tribute after parents of tragic South Shiel...

Left - Maurice Dunnington, pictured with his son Keith Dunnington, centre, and his wife Lillian. Right - Keith Dunnington, a nurse from South Shields who died after contracting coronavirus two weeks before his parents also died of the illness.

Left - Maurice Dunnington, pictured with his son Keith Dunnington, centre, and his wife Lillian. Right - Keith Dunnington, a nurse from South Shields who died after contracting coronavirus two weeks before his parents also died of the illness.

Jean Reed: “Didn’t know them but feel so upset for them, so sad, lockdown needs to stay longer nobody safe.”

Paula Wilson: “This is so sad ... But this is exactly why it's far to soon to be lifting any restrictions.”

Margaret Curry: “Wonderful family. Always together. God bless. So sad.”

Patricia McMahon Maher: “That is so sad my heart goes out to this poor family devastated by this virus.”

Louise Lagan: “Love and prayers to the family. I went to church with Lillian and Maurice and they were really lovely people.”

Tracy Baxter: “Absolutely devastating for a family to lose three members. Hope you are all at peace together in each other’s arms.”

Kelly Knight: “RIP Maurice, Lillian, and Keith I will treasure the memories I have growing up around you I will never forget the good times. A beautiful family with hearts of gold.”

Judith Hood: “No words can describe how the family must be feeling, deepest condolences to you all. This is WHY guidelines MUST be followed.”

Maureen Williams: “This is why the barriers should not be lifted. stay isolated and stay safe.”

Sandra Graham: “This is the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever read. I am lost for words. At least you are together. I hope paradise was waiting for you all. Condolences to family and friends.”

Carrie Smeltzer: “If this isn’t a wake up call to those taking no notice of rules then nothing will. RIP together, fly with the angels.”

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