The distraught mother of Dundee woman Mary McLaren collapsed in tears on Saturday as she prepared to lay flowers at the spot where her daughter’s body was found almost two weeks ago.
Margaret McIntosh, flanked by police family liaison officers, fell to the ground in the middle of North Marketgait and dropped her bouquet, saying, “I can’t do it, no, I can’t do it.”
Family members ran to her aid and Mrs McIntosh eventually recovered her composure to join the others who had gathered to lay down over 30 bouquets by the wall at the foot of the embankment where Mary’s body was found on March 10.
Her grieving family had made the emotional visit to mark what would have been her 35th birthday.
Around 20 people gathered at the Ladywell Roundabout to pay tribute to the mother-of-three, who failed to return home after a night out with her sister Michelle Rodger in the city centre last month.
Her disappearance sparked a major police investigation which involved over 50 officers.
Her mother was crying before the party left the roadside at North Marketgait, saying, “I don’t want to talk to the press today, I’m too upset.”
Family and friends picked up all the bouquets and tokens that had been left close to the roundabout since Mary’s body was found and carried them across to the embankment.
Police officers temporarily halted traffic at the roundabout so mourners could cross safely.
Before prayers were said a candle was placed on the edge of the wall.
Father Coyne of St Vincent de Paul Church in Dundee led the tributes, saying, “We remember today and honour Mary on what would have been her 35th birthday.
“Her birthday is also her first in the kingdom of heaven, where one day we all go.
“She is now with all those who have gone before her and will live there in happiness and peace for all eternity with God our father.”
Family and friends joined in saying the Lord’s Prayer before the Rev Canon Fay Lamont of St Ninian’s Church, Kingsway East, gave thanks for Mary as a daughter, mother, wife and friend.
“May she rest in peace and may God give the family strength, courage and love at this time,” she said.
Mourners present included Mary’s husband Scott, her pregnant daughter Sarah-Jane (17), sons Aaron (14) and Dylan (10) and sisters Lisa and Michelle.
Father Coyne asked everyone to take away one happy memory of Mary and there was a short silence while people reflected on his wish.
Mary’s stepfather Charles Rodger placed a small crucifix beside the candle on the ledge and for a few moments those present looked at the flowers and tokens laid at the scene, exchanging words of comfort and hugging one another.
Mr Rodger said, “Mary would normally have spent her birthday with the family, so it was important for us to be able to do this.
“The family would also like to thank the police for their dedication in this matter and for all the hard work they have done in this situation. We think they have been brilliant.”
Mary’s body is yet to be released to the family so a funeral service can take place.
Arbroath man Patrick James Rae (40) appeared in private before Sheriff Alistair Duff at Dundee Sheriff Court last week on a petition alleging murder and an attempt to defeat the ends of justice.
It was later confirmed he had appeared in connection with the death of Mrs McLaren.
He made no plea or declaration and did not apply for bail.
The case was continued for further examination and Rae was remanded in custody.
Family and friends joined in saying the Lord’s Prayer before the Rev Canon Fay Lamont of St Ninian’s Church, Kingsway East, gave thanks for Mary as a daughter, mother, wife and friend.
“May she rest in peace and may God give the family strength, courage and love at this time,” she said.
Mourners present included Mary’s husband Scott, her pregnant daughter Sarah-Jane (17), sons Aaron (14) and Dylan (10) and sisters Lisa and Michelle.
Father Coyne asked everyone to take away one happy memory of Mary and there was a short silence while people reflected on his wish.
Mary’s stepfather Charles Rodger placed a small crucifix beside the candle on the ledge and for a few moments those present looked at the flowers and tokens laid at the scene, exchanging words of comfort and hugging one another.
Mr Rodger said, “Mary would normally have spent her birthday with the family, so it was important for us to be able to do this.
“The family would also like to thank the police for their dedication in this matter and for all the hard work they have done in this situation. We think they have been brilliant.”
Mary’s body is yet to be released to the family so a funeral service can take place.
Arbroath man Patrick James Rae (40) appeared in private before Sheriff Alistair Duff at Dundee Sheriff Court last week on a petition alleging murder and an attempt to defeat the ends of justice.
It was later confirmed he had appeared in connection with the death of Mrs McLaren.
He made no plea or declaration and did not apply for bail.
The case was continued for further examination and Rae was remanded in custody.
Family and friends joined in saying the Lord’s Prayer before the Rev Canon Fay Lamont of St Ninian’s Church, Kingsway East, gave thanks for Mary as a daughter, mother, wife and friend.
“May she rest in peace and may God give the family strength, courage and love at this time,” she said.
Mourners present included Mary’s husband Scott, her pregnant daughter Sarah-Jane (17), sons Aaron (14) and Dylan (10) and sisters Lisa and Michelle.
Father Coyne asked everyone to take away one happy memory of Mary and there was a short silence while people reflected on his wish.
Mary’s stepfather Charles Rodger placed a small crucifix beside the candle on the ledge and for a few moments those present looked at the flowers and tokens laid at the scene, exchanging words of comfort and hugging one another.
Mr Rodger said, “Mary would normally have spent her birthday with the family, so it was important for us to be able to do this.
“The family would also like to thank the police for their dedication in this matter and for all the hard work they have done in this situation. We think they have been brilliant.”
Mary’s body is yet to be released to the family so a funeral service can take place.
Arbroath man Patrick James Rae (40) appeared in private before Sheriff Alistair Duff at Dundee Sheriff Court last week on a petition alleging murder and an attempt to defeat the ends of justice.
It was later confirmed he had appeared in connection with the death of Mrs McLaren.
He made no plea or declaration and did not apply for bail.
The case was continued for further examination and Rae was remanded in custody.