Pat Hume, wife of the late former SDLP leader John Hume, has died.
Mrs Hume passed away at home in Derry earlier today after a short illness, surrounded by her family.
A former teacher, Pat was a champion for victims of the Troubles when appointed to the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund in 1998.
Last month, she was present with other members of her family when they presented her late husband's major international peace prizes to the people of Derry in a ceremony in the Guildhall.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Pat Hume "made it her life's work to bring peace and stability to this island".
Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pat Hume, wife of the late John Hume.
Alongside her husband, Pat made it her life’s work to bring peace and stability to this island – showing huge resilience and courage along the way.
My deepest condolences to all of the Hume family.— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) September 2, 2021
Hillary Clinton described Pat as a "gracious, determined force behind the achievement of peace in Ireland".
She said: "[Pat] and her husband John both made the world a better place and set an example for us all."
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood paid tribute to Mrs Hume saying without her there would have been no peace process in Ireland.
He said: "The compassion, integrity and immense fortitude that defined her incredible character breathed life into our peace over the course of a long campaign that, at times, must have looked like it would never bear fruit. She never gave up faith.
“Pat was, of course, John’s guiding light. She was his constant companion, sharing the road and easing the burden in the most difficult of times.
"When they came under public pressure and attacks on their home for doing what they knew was right, she remained his rock. The scale of his achievement was made possible by the depth of her love. But she was, in her own right, a fierce champion for peace and justice."
He said she leaves an "incredible legacy that will never be forgotten", adding that his thoughts are with her children - Aine, Therese, Aidan, John and Mo - and grandchildren.
Pat's death comes just over a year since her husband John passed away aged 83.
