'We are totally broken' - Sunderland family's tribute following tragic Covid death of healthy 55-year-old aunt

‘She was our best friend’ – a devastated family have paid tribute to a Sunderland woman who was taken from them by the ‘ruthless’ Covid-19 virus.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Rhoda Brannigan, who had no underlying health conditions, tragically lost her fight with coronavirus on Tuesday, February 9.

The ‘outgoing and sociable’ customer service assistant, who worked at Kura, fell ill with Covid-19 between Christmas and New Year and was self-isolating at home away from mum Kathleen, who has COPD.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Her condition progressively worsened and she was taken to hospital by ambulance after her oxygen levels dropped dramatically in early January.

Rhoda's family have been left heartbroken after the 55-year-old died after falling ill with covidRhoda's family have been left heartbroken after the 55-year-old died after falling ill with covid
Rhoda's family have been left heartbroken after the 55-year-old died after falling ill with covid

The 55-year-old was being fed through a tube after losing more than a stone in weight and was placed on a ventilator.

After two weeks doctors decided to try a tracheotomy so she could be brought round from sedation and taken off the ventilator.

However Rhoda, of Westheath Avenue, suffered a setback following the procedure. A second tracheotomy proved successful days later.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Family were able to call her on speaker phone to see if a familiar voice might help bring her round and she was doing really well on the Monday,” said Rhoda’s youngest sister Kay Jeff.

Rhoda's colleagues say she was the 'salt of the earth'Rhoda's colleagues say she was the 'salt of the earth'
Rhoda's colleagues say she was the 'salt of the earth'
Read More
Sunderland's most-loved independent businesses named on Shop Appy

“We all expected a phone call on the Tuesday to say she had woken up. Her stats were up to 98 and doctors thought she was doing really well.

"But she had a massive deterioration within 12 hours. The staff rang us on the morning and asked us how quickly we could get to the hospital.”

Family were able to see Rhoda before doctors switched off the life support machine after her organs began failing and toxins had spread around her body.

From left to right: Edward, Rhoda, Mam Kath, Ian (front James), Kay (front Ollie), Donna, Kelly, Vicki, Katie, RobertFrom left to right: Edward, Rhoda, Mam Kath, Ian (front James), Kay (front Ollie), Donna, Kelly, Vicki, Katie, Robert
From left to right: Edward, Rhoda, Mam Kath, Ian (front James), Kay (front Ollie), Donna, Kelly, Vicki, Katie, Robert
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Covid has no rhyme or reason, it doesn’t care how old you are or if you have underlying health conditions. It’s ruthless and it took her from us,” said Kay, 39.

"I still can’t believe she’s not coming back, we are totally broken. She was more than our sister, she was our best friend.

"She was the glue that stuck us together which sounds like a cliche but you could always guarantee she’d be there.”

Rhoda, daughter of Kathleen and the late Edward (Eddie) Brannigan, was close to sisters Katie Brannigan, Kelly Ayre, Donna Andrews, Victoria Brannigan and Kay Jeff, brothers Edward and Robert Brannigan, and brothers-in-law Ian, Gary, Steve and George.

Rhoda with mum KathRhoda with mum Kath
Rhoda with mum Kath
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rhoda, who previously worked at Dewhirsts and the Spar in Ryhope Road, had 18 nieces and nephews and seven great-nieces and great-nephews who she adored.

"She would give you her last but she also didn’t hold her tongue. Rhoda was very straight talking and would tell you as she saw it – she didn’t have a filter,” added Kay.

"She was a fighter, she stuck up for the underdog and herself.

"Before Covid we’d see each other every day. We started doing a quiz during the first lockdown which we did right up until Christmas and New Year on Zoom.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Rhoda absolutely loved and lived for our massive family holidays to Florida, it was our favourite place on Earth. She sadly didn’t get to go back as our last holiday was cancelled due to Covid.”

A Go Fund Me page was set up by one of her colleagues and has raised over £600 for Rhoda’s family. To donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/rhoda-brannigan

Sisters Rhoda, Vicki, Kay, Mum Kath, Donna, Kelly, and KatieSisters Rhoda, Vicki, Kay, Mum Kath, Donna, Kelly, and Katie
Sisters Rhoda, Vicki, Kay, Mum Kath, Donna, Kelly, and Katie

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.

Related topics: