The close-knit community in Fivemiletown is in mourning following the death of two young people.

Known fondly in the community as “the girl with the big dog”, 21-year-old Andrea Malone died on Sunday, July, 14. Aa service for the life of Andrea will take place later today [Thursday] at Lakeland Crematorium.

The community came to know Andrea as “the girl with the big dog” due to her constant companion, 'Tess' the German Shepard.

Her sister Kathryn spoke on behalf of the heartbroken Malone family and said: “We will miss her, all the family are going to miss her.”

Andrea celebrated her 21st birthday in May and worked in Moy Park, Dungannon in the accounting department and “she loved her work".

The former student of Fivemiletown High School was a huge animal lover, her sister, explained: “She was known as the girl with the big dog, it was how she was referred to.

“[Since her death] everybody has commented that they knew her out walking with the big dog.”

Her sudden death was felt right across the community with her former employers, Beatty’s Spar, Fivemiletown describing her as “a little ray of sunshine that touched everyone she met” in a social media post.

Andrea is survived by her father, Alan, mother, Roberta, sisters Rachel and Kathryn and her extended family circle.

Her death further shocked the closely-knit community as just days before 15-year-old Codey Breadon died suddenly on Friday, July 12.

Codey was the son of Johnny and Nicola and a brother to Matthew and Alex and his passing has left a deep sadness in the community.

His school, Fivemiletown College paid tribute to Codey in a social media post.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share of a life too short for one of our pupils. Each one of us has a unique path through life, but for Codey Breadon, just 15, his path was one less worn.”

The school's post described how Codey had a smile that “could light up a room”.

It read: “At times like this we always look back to memories, and we choose to remember Codey, a boy with a smile that could light up a room. We remember Codey in Year 8, who came in on Christmas Jumper Day with a prizewinning light-up creation that he and his Aunt Maudie had made!

“We remember Codey who in Year 10 was voted by his peers to represent them on our Student Council.”

“We look back but we also look forward. We will honour to represent Codey's memory as we seek to nurture resilience and self-care in all our pupils.”

Family and friends were encouraged to wear bright colours to Codey’s funeral which took place on Tuesday at St. John’s Parish Church, Fivemiletown. Following the funeral, he was laid to rest in the adjoining churchyard.