Noreen Gumbo
(née McGrath)

We are all very saddened to hear of Noreen's passing. Sincere sympathies to Ernest and family on this very sad news. May she rest in peace.

Comhbhrón ó chroí le clan Noreen. We are very sorry to hear of Noreen's passing. Leaba i measc na Naomh duit.

So so sorry to hear of Noreen's death. She was always of such high integrity, had a true commitment to justice for the poor, and was always a pleasure to work with.

Mudambi, Michael, Adrian, Nyasha and Noreen's brothers, sister-in-laws and family, my deepest condolences to you all. Noreen was an amazing friend and mentor. She was unassumingly kind, practical, and always thinking of others. I was extremely lucky to have Noreen as a friend all these years, and I will miss her dearly. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

Dear Mudambi and family,
I am very sorry to hear of Noreen’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.

Dear Noreen's Family,

It was such a shock, and heartbreaking to hear about Noreen’s passing.
She was such a wonderful and very humane person who touched the lives of so many across the globe. As much as her passing is a huge loss to her family, it is also a big loss to Trocaire and all the friends that she met in different places all along her personal and professional life. We will miss her, and we will always remember her kindness and wisdom.

In this challenging time, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you and all the extended family. I pray that the Almighty provide you with comfort and courage to get you through the days ahead, and that Noreen’s soul may rest in eternal peace.

Deepest condolences to all the Gumbo family on the sudden loss of dear Noreen
She was always a pleasure to meet and a very kind hearted lady
May God bless you all at such a difficult time
Johnny Nevin

Dear Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha and Adrian,

I am so saddened to hear of Noreen's passing. I had the privilege to know Noreen through work for a number of years. She was kind, calm, and warm and it was always a pleasure to be in her presence. She made the world a better place in so many ways. I am thinking of you all during this difficult time.

Gillian McCarthy (Concern Worldwide and formerly Irish Red Cross)

Dear Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha and Adrian,
I'm terrible sorry for your loss, we were all shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Noreen's sudden passing. Noreen was such an amazing person, an inspiration both as a human being and as a leader. I had the privilege of working working with Noreen in the Humanitarian Team and l learned so much from her during that time. She was a remarkable, selfless manager who encouraged everyone to grow and step outside their comfort zones, always leading by example. She genuinely invested in people and was able to create a safe space for everyone around her.
I will truly treasure all the memories I have from those days.
Rest in peace dear Noreen, you will be greatly missed.

Very sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Sending my deepest condolences to Noreen's family.
I always found Noreen to be a deeply kind person and was a huge inspiration to me while I was at Trócaire and beyond.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

My sincere condolences to Noreen's family. May her soul rest in peace.

My heartfelt condolences to Noreen's family.

Noreen, may you rest in peace and love. Thank you for your quiet support and kindness over so many years. I remember vividly when you visited me in hospital when I had malaria to make sure I was ok. You always looked after your team.

Deepest sympathies to Noreen’s loving family, her friends and many colleagues on her sad passing; may she rest in peace.

Dear Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha, Adrian, Stephen, Ronan, Maurice, Colm, and extended family, we were so saddened to hear about Noreen’s sudden passing today. I knew Noreen through her mother and my neighbour Rita. Noreen was such a lovely, kind person and will be sadly missed. Please accept our sincere condolences. May she Rest in Peace.

Dear Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha, Adrian, Stephen, Ronan, Maurice, Colm & the extended Gumbo & McGrath families, it was with great sadness and shock that I only heard today (17/04) of Noreen's sudden passing. I can only echo all that everyone has said before me of how wonderful a person Noreen was. I got to know Noreen through her lovely mum (our neighbour) and even more so when she came back to live here in Ireland. Noreen was truly one in a million and will continue to watch over you with her unique love and caring way. Thinking of you all as your navigate your way through this very sad and difficult time.

O Noreen. So sad and shattered to hear that you have left us.
I still recall so much your wisdom and practical solutions you gave Trocaire and I back in Malawi and southern Africa so long ago. Thanks Noreen, you were always there for us and for me.
Your humility and humanity were so reassuring to us. You made things real for us and usually found a way out of any problem we had.
The world was always a better place with you around. Why are the good ones taken from us so soon?
Thanks for being part of our world(s) Noreen.
My deep condolences to Mudambi and all of Noreen’s Family.

To Gumbo and extended Mc Grath families it is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of your beloved Noreen May she Rest in Peace after all the fabulous work she did and all the lives she touched Thinking of you all at this time

So saddened to hear the news about Noreen. Although I only worked with her for a short time in Trocaire, she was such a warm and generous person, so giving of her time and advice..and immemsely proud of her family. RIP Noreen.

Very shocked and sorry at this very sad news. My mother was a cousin of
Noreens mother and Noreen taught me piano when I was a child. We always had great fun. I last saw Noreen when I met her and her lovely baby Michael in my mums house. My sincere condolences to all the family.

I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news of Noreen's passing, and my sincere condolences to her family and friends, and to anyone whose life she touched.

With so many heartfelt messages for Noreen from across the world, there feels little else to say about this remarkable woman and humanitarian. As an ex-colleague, what I can add is that in the many external facing meetings I attended with Noreen, she was always the person in the room who could be trusted to say something important, relevant and pragmatic. She was as an inspiration to our sector and always someone we could look to for advice and support.

It is a real loss to the world and the humanitarian sector, at such a challenging time. Noreen made a difference to people across the globe, and I hope her legacy will live on within us all.

This is such sad news. Noreen was a truly wonderful person and the perfect model of a good humanitarian and development activist, who walked alongside people struggling with poverty and injustice, gently and firmly supporting their ability to change things for the better.

In the last two years, Noreen showed this kind of support to me. She quietly got behind my work, encouraged others to invest in it too, and showed me in her eyes alone that she trusted me to do it well. I wish I could have continued to work with her and will always remember and honour her kindness and inspiration.

I send my prayers and love to Noreen's family.

Sincere condolences to Noreens family, friends and colleagues. I had the great honour and pleasure of meeting and working with Noreen for a short time many years ago. She left an indelible impression as a rock of sense and a soul full of compassion.
May she rest in peace. 🙏

Dear Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha, Adrian and all of Noreen's family. I am so sorry for your loss. I have worked closely with Noreen for the past three years. I always looked forward to seeing her in the office as she was always there except when travelling. Noreen was of course an accomplished development worker but she was also someone down to earth who could speak from her heart. She was a champion of common sense, yet willing to take risks to ensure that Trócaire remained relevant and at the forefront of working practices in our sector. Despite the stress of her role, she always had time for a chat and never hesitated to use her great sense of humour. She had a rich experience of life thanks to her long time in Africa. I think this helped her to relativise many of the issues that arise in our industry, while at the same time setting the bar very high in terms of the standards that Trocaire should meet. She was a truly generous person and a wonderful colleague. I miss her, and she will always be in my thoughts. Hervé

Dear Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha and Adrian,

My deepest condolences to you all on the very sad and untimely passing of Noreen. Noreen was an amazing person, a great friend and colleague. I worked closely with Noreen for many years in Trócaire. She was a true inspiration. I learned so much from Noreen and will treasure the memories I have of our time working together, particularly trips that we went on together to country programmes, sharing early morning taxis from Maynooth. Noreen was loved and respected by everyone she was in contact with. She was generous, kind and always full of encouragement and support for everyone she interacted with. Her passing will leave a huge void in the lives of so many people.
May she rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to Stephen on the sudden death of your sister Noreen. Sympathies too to her husband and family.

My heartfelt condolences to Noreen's family, friends and colleagues. May she rest in peace.

To Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha and Adrian and Noreen's family and friends,

I am very sorry about the sad loss of your incredible and beautiful Noreen. I first met Noreen when I was on an internship with Trócaire as part of the Gender and HIV team 12 years ago. She was a brilliant mentor to me, in fact the best leader I ever had in a work environment. I was only thinking of Noreen the other day when I was looking a pashmina scarf she gave me. I always think of her when I wear/see my favourite scarf and the impact she had on me. I will never ever forget her.

Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha and Adrian - thinking of you all. Take comfort in your loving memories together - you knew and loved her best of all.

My deepest condolences to Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha and Adrian and all of Noreen’s family and friends on your loss. It’s so hard to put into words the shock and sadness we feel at Noreen’s passing. She was so much more than a colleague. I feel so privileged to have worked so closely with Noreen for over 10 years and to have benefitted from Noreen’s incredible leadership. We shared so much through the highs and lows of the many humanitarian crisis, but no matter how heavy things got, Noreen’s knowledge, wisdom and experience always helped find the good, the opportunities and the ideas - she had so many great ideas!
The description of Noreen’s management style as that of a gardener is fitting - she nurtured and supported us like plants, helping each of us grow (and she had a knack with the office plants too!)
We had so much fun in that office at the end of the corridor and we will miss her terribly but are so grateful for her friendship and love, Dee

To all the Gumbo and McGrath family. We are so sorry for your loss. I met Noreen many years ago as a friend of Colm’s when she was still living in Zimbabwe. She blew me away with the things she was doing with her life and her commitment to helping others. Something she kept on doing throughout her life. Noreen made the world a better place for so many and will be missed greatly. 🇿🇼 🇮🇪

Dear Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha, Adrian and family,

I am so very sorry for your sudden loss. Noreen was a wonderful person and a real force for good. She was a joy to work with; full of kindness, energy, generosity, wisdom, humour and compassion. She will be deeply missed but no doubt will continue to inspire us.

Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers at this time.

I'm shocked and saddened to hear of Noreen's passing. She was a kind, inspiring leader whenever I met her and she will be dearly missed. May Noreen rest in peace, and I am thinking of you all through her passing.

Noreen recruited me into the Kenya HIV Programme in 2011. My first week on the job was spent with her in Maynooth for orientation, and from that very first moment, I knew I was in safe hands. She made me feel welcomed, supported, and seen.

Working with Noreen was a true privilege. She was wise, kind, and deeply committed not just to the work, but to the people she worked with. She had a way of guiding without ever imposing, and she poured so much of herself into mentoring others, including me. I learned a lot from her and I will always be grateful for the time we shared.

To her entire family, especially Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha and Adrian, please accept my heartfelt condolences. May you find comfort in knowing how deeply she was loved and how many lives she touched.

Rest in peace dear Noreen.

I’m so sorry for your loss, Noreen’s family and Trocaire colleagues. May Noreen rest in peace, and may you have strength and be surrounded by kindness at this difficult time.

I met Noreen when I joined Trócaire in 2012, and like so many others, I felt warmly welcomed by her as a newcomer to the organization. Over the years, we worked together on many different projects. She was a dream colleague and a remarkable leader—someone who gave generously of herself and mentored so many along the way.

Every memory I have of Noreen is filled with joy. She was brilliant, a true champion of humanity, and had a heart of gold. And she was always up for some yoga!

So many of us were lucky to have known and worked with you, Noreen. Thank you for all that you shared with us—and for being spectacular, authentic you.

My heart goes out to your beautiful family and to all the friends and colleagues who loved you so dearly. May your warmth, love, and legacy live on.

Sincere condolences to Noreen's family and many friends, she will be so missed. Frances (ex Trocaire)

Dear Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha and Adrian,

Noreen was my boss in 2013-2014, on the gender & hiv team in Trócaire, though I knew her long before then. She was so gentle and wise. I remember one colleague in Malawi saying that she would do anything Noreen suggested, and I felt the same!
Her leadership was reassuring, supportive and empowering. She gave me confidence and self-belief, and she inspired me with the joy she took from every encounter and every day. I am so grateful I knew her.

May you draw strength from her wisdom and love, I’m so sorry for your terrible loss.

I was so deeply saddened to learn of Noreen's family. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband, sons and wider family and friends at this terribly sad time.

Noreen was probably the best manager I had throughout my humanitarian career, a true mentor who encouraged and challenged me. I learned so much under her guidance. She cared deeply for everyone she worked with, and everyone that she worked on behalf of. She was kind but also fiercely compassionate. Her work with Trócaire in particular will leave a lasting legacy.

Dear Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha, Adrain and the McGrath family,

My sincere condolences for the loss of dear Noreen. I pray that God will give you peace that surpasses all human understanding during this difficult time. May He embrace you with His love and comfort your hearts.

My first encounter with Noreen’s loving and kind nature was back in September 2014. It was during my maiden trip to Ireland and I got sick along the way. From the airport I was taken straight to Beaumont hospital and I was admitted. During my three days stay in the hospital, she visited me daily, encouraging me and reassuring me that all was going to be ok. Oh, how I looked forward to her visits! At that time, she became my family in a strange land and that experience has remained with me over the years.

I count myself very privileged to have been one of Noreen’s mentees as a young professional. She was my role model, and I owe so much of who I have become to her guidance, encouragement, direction and affirmation. She was such an inspiration to many of us who interacted and worked closely with her. I admired her calm and collected demeanour, and her breath of knowledge. I will dearly miss her.

May Noreen’s beautiful soul through the mercy of God rest in eternal peace.

I was in the MSc Rural Deveopment class of 1994 with Noreen. So sad to hear of her sudden passing (only just heard today 14th Apr). Noreen was a fabulous person, smart, positive, with a wonderful nature. Such a loss to Mudambi, children and wider family and friends. May she rest in peace. ❤️

Shocked by the sudden passing of Noreen and I’m so deeply sorry for your terrible loss. Noreen was such an amazing woman. You always felt so special in her company. She was a wonderful person to have as a classmate (M.Sc. ‘94) and as a friend in the years that followed.

Like so many others, I feel deeply privileged to have known Noreen down the years. She was so kind, so generous, and always looked out for others. She was an inspiration to so many of us, and her intellect shone so bright, as did her warmth, compassion and friendship.

Seldom do you get to know someone who displays such calmness under pressure, kindness to one and all, and who is so professional in every aspect of their work. Her commitment and dedication to international development, and to social justice, changed many lives. I know for sure she will be greatly missed within the Trócaire family, in Ireland and internationally.

At this very difficult time, I pass on my deepest condolences to you all. May Noreen’s gentle soul Rest in Peace.

I was saddened and shocked to learn of Noreen's death. I knew Noreen when she headed Trocaire's HIV programme and I led CAFOD's HIV response. Noreen was completely committed to walking with and advocating for those affected by HIV, and she spoke her truth gently but firmly, condemning the injustices of gender and poverty that she encountered, within her organisation, in the wider Caritas network and the NGO sector more generally. As a woman of faith she sought justice, not judgment. I valued her support, her encouragement and her friendship. My condolences to her family, friends and all whose lives she affected and who mourn her untimely passing.

Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha, Adrian, her siblings, aunties, nieces, and Noreen’s extended family,
Words are not enough to comfort you, & so I will pray for your strength during this difficult time.

I had the great fortune to meet Noreen in UCD in the early 90’s when training for Rural Development, it was very obvious to all that Noreen was a shining light that would make a difference in this world back then & I see today from all the kind words - that in fact she worked hard and made that difference in people’s lives all over the world.
May her light continue to shine. & may she rest in peace - her work on this earth is now done.

Dear Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha, Adrian,
Greeting from across the miles and decades. We met Noreen and yourself in Zimbabwe and had such great time for her and your lovely family. All the boys are grown up now. Noreen was an inspiration. Her good humour and love of life and her family are what we remember so well. Sincere condolences to you all. I hope and trust that the memories of her lovely spirit and presence are a comfort in the days ahead.

Dear Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha, Adrian and Noreen's extended family

My sincerest condolences to all of you. Noreen was my colleague, my manager for a number of years and a dear friend. Noreen encouraged me to join "the bookclub" 13 years ago, and since that time I had the privilege of many many evenings with her, discussing books, sharing stories and being supported by her wise insights in navigating parenthood, career and and finding joy.

I am so grateful for her mentorship at the start of my career and for her friendship. She was so caring, so thoughtful, compassionate and practical. And she had a truly wonderful, gentle and empowering leadership style.

May her gentle soul rest in peace

I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Noreen. I met her last June during Trócaire’s global Heads of Programmes meeting in Nairobi. I was the youngest and newest among the group—something that was hard not to notice.

When we boarded the bus one evening for a group outing, Noreen made a point to sit beside me. My shoulders were tense with anticipation, bracing for the kinds of questions I’d grown used to—the ones that probed my age, experience, or how I’d come to hold my role. But Noreen never asked them.

By the end of that ride, I realized my shoulders had relaxed. She had treated me as a peer—with warmth, curiosity, and genuine respect. I felt seen and understood.

Later that week, we had another powerful conversation—one I’ll never forget. I shared some of the professional challenges I was facing, and she listened with grace and empathy. She didn’t try to fix anything or offer quick solutions—she simply made space. That, in itself, was a gift.

In a difficult season, Noreen was a light. The way she held space for me mattered deeply. It’s often said that we don’t remember exactly what people said, but we never forget how they made us feel. I will never forget how Noreen made me feel.

May she rest in perfect peace and power.

Dear Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha, Adrian,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Noreen was a truly remarkable soul—her warmth, her kindness, and the light she carried touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege to know her. She brought comfort, joy, and strength wherever she went.

You are fortunate to have an angel watching over you now. May God grant you the strength to feel her presence in new and quiet ways.
Noreen was very dear to me, and her loss is deeply felt. Please accept my sincerest condolences and know that everyone here in Beirut is keeping you in their thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Patricia

On behalf of the Trócaire team in Guatemala and myself, I would like to send our condolences to Noreen's family. All of us at Trócaire mourn her loss. She was a committed professional and a warm woman, a good listener, intelligent, full of solidarity and always willing to help. Her memory will remain in our hearts. May she rest in peace.

Deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Noreen who was an inspiring leader and a wonderfully humane, pragmatic and grounded person. Anyone who had the privilege of working with her will always remember her quick intelligence, her realism, patience and fantastic sense of humour. She worked with all she had to seek justice but it was never empty rhetoric, her pursuit was through delivering results. She will leave a huge hole in the lives of many, but of course most of all her loved family, to whom I pass on my deepest condolences.

Dear Mudambi, Michael, Nyasha and Adrian. My deepest condolences to you and the whole family. Noreen was the best of us in Trocaire. She was pure good, inside and out. You are in out thoughts and prayers as you go through this time of grief and loss. May Noreen rest in eternal peace.

My deepest condolences to Noreen’s family.
I had the pleasure of working with Noreen during my many years at Trócaire. As a young woman just beginning my professional journey at the time, I will always remain grateful for her kindness, encouragement, and support.
I will hold Noreen in my heart and remember her as a warm, witty, and compassionate colleague.
May you find strength in one another during this difficult time, and may she rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to Noreen’s family. This is such a big loss. Noreen will always be remembered for her kindness, her genuine empathy, and her beautiful spirit. She truly touched the hearts of everyone around her and will be deeply missed.

Dear Mudambi and Noreen Son's
My deepest condolence to you all. Untimely passing of Noreen is shocking and I am sad. She was a true human being with pure heart, supportive, caring and an easy person to approach. She was a great leader with humble heart. She will be missed deeply and remembered always.
God's comfort to you all and all family members.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Me uno a las muestras de cariño y solidaridad a la familia de Noreen y al equipo de Trocaire. Noreen deja una huella en la vida de muchas personas, una vida de amor y compromiso por la justicia.

Con tristeza me uno a las muestras de cariño y solidaridad a la familia de Noreen y al equipo de Trocaire. Noreen ha dejado un legado de amor y compromiso por la Justicia. Su vida ha sido plena y fecunda.

Our sincere condolences to Noreen's family, friends and colleagues. She was much loved and respected by many, and with very good reason. May she continue to inspire us all and may her beautiful soul rest in peace.

Noreen was a lovely person and will be deeply missed. My family and I are very sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace Noreen

Con tristeza me uno a las muestras de solidaridad y cariño para la familia de Noreen y para el equipo de Trocaire. Noreen ha dejado una huella de amor y compromiso por la Justicia. Su vida ha sido plena y fecunda.

A good person gone too soon. My sincere condolences to all the family and close friends.

My condolences to the Gumbo family on the passing of Noreen; she was a huge support to the South Sudan team during my time there, and it was a pleasure to work with her. Will keep Noreen and her family in prayers