Patricia Mary Qura'n (née Gilligan)

Patricia Mary Gilligan was born in Belfast on 18 March 1953. She attended St Dominic's High School, and was a keen sportswoman and star performer at the Patricia Mulholland Irish Ballet School. Her undergraduate training was at Queen's University, where she met her future life partner, Ziad Qura'n. After their marriage, Patricia followed him when he returned to Amman. She quickly proved her linguistic talents by becoming fluent in Arabic, much to the astonishment of many an unsuspecting Jordanian motorist. Patricia continued her training in obstetrics and gynaecology through the Jordanian army medical service and subsequently developed an exceptionally successful practice in Amman—her devotion and generosity to her patients was reflected in the thousands who attended her funeral mass in the city. A talented Irish dancer, she set up classes and introduced many young girls to the skills of Irish ballet. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1999, she returned to her clinic as soon as possible, giving hope and inspiration to so many of her patients. She leaves a husband, Ziad, and three children, Lara, Tamara, and Omar.