Lynne McGeehan (25), who was appointed to St Mark's Church of Ireland in Portadown in September, had failed to appear at a school function last week.

Rector of St Mark's, Rev Jim Campbell and curate Carmen Hayes went to her home in Portadown and found her dead in bed last Thursday.

Tributes have been paid to Lynne, who was an outstanding young musician and had joined the church as a family and youth pastor.

The Rev Jim Campbell said that although Lynne had only been with the church for a short time she had made a "tremendous impression" through her dedication to her Christian duties.

"We are totally devastated. Lynne was so popular with everyone in the parish and so talented, especially in music. We cannot believe this has happened. She will be sadly missed by everyone."

St Marks parishioners will remember her as an immensely happy and endearing person.

Lynne was a first-class honours graduate from Strathclyde University in Glasgow.

The daughter of Ivor and Christine McGeehan, from Portrush Road, Coleraine, Lynne was a former pupil of Irish Society Primary School and Coleraine High School and had two sisters, Claire and Elaine.

Her funeral took place on Monday afternoon at St Patrick's Parish Church, Coleraine, followed by interment at Coleraine cemetery.

Rev Barry Forde said everyone at St Patrick's was totally devastated by Lynne's sudden passing.

He said she had played a full role in the church and its youth club throughout her life and was an inspirational young person.

Pamela Lennox said she had the pleasure of meeting Lynne when she worked at the Mid Ulster School of Music in Magherafelt.

"She was a very special and fantastic person who always seemed to bring a unique life-loving energy to each day.

"Everyone was extremely fond of her - she was one of those people you meet rarely in a lifetime who bring out the best in you just by her presence. She has touched many people in her young life and will be deeply missed. My thoughts go out to her family at this very sad time."