Details announced of funeral for Newry singing sensation Rose-Marie

A singing sensation, television personality and national treasure with that instantly recognisable voice and vibrant personality, Rose-Marie released 19 hit albums and over the years worked with some of the biggest names in showbiz including Johnny Cash.

At the International Music Awards, Rose-Marie was voted most popular singer. Ireland celebrated her career with a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by her friend Louis Walsh in November 2023.

Rose-Marie performed in front of Princess Diana, she sold out the London Palladium on several occasions, had sell out shows in Las Vegas and appeared in The Royal Variety Show.

Rose-Marie has been a regular feature on British television with appearances including Shooting Stars, Doctors, Big Brother’s Little Brother, Blankety Blank, Punchlines & the Des O’Connor Show. She was also a judge on the BBC talent show Go For It. Rose-Marie also acted in several stage productions, hosted her own radio show and played Rita in the 2001 film Cold Fish.

Whilst performing in the USA she took a break and studied acting in LA. Combining acting with singing resulted in her playing Mrs Johnstone in the hit show Blood Brothers.

Rose-Marie was also involved in charity work, including the promotion of road safety and a charity for the under-privileged. Her legs were also once insured by Lloyds of London!

A funeral notice said that Rose-Marie was the “beloved daughter of Ann and the late Owen Kane and loving sister of Anne, Madeleine, Danny, Geraldine and the late Kathleen - R.I.P.”.

Her remains will be removed from McGennity’s Funeral Home this evening (Wednesday, June 19) to arrive at The Church of the Sacred Heart, Cloughoge for overnight repose.

"Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 3.00pm tomorrow (Thursday 20th June) and will be livestreamed at Upper Killeavy Parish Online Mass. Burial afterwards in St. Michael’s cemetery, Killean.”

It added that her death was “very deeply regretted by her loving mother, brother, sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins, entire family circle and her many friends.

“May she rest in eternal peace."