Ireland lost a brave and dedicated pioneer for the right to have aid in dying. In The Independent she was described as follows:
Marie’s campaign on issues around the right to die was both brave and courageous.And while pursuing her campaign – at both political and legal levels – she was always going to be a challenge, her deeply-held conviction meant it was one she was never going to back away from.
Marie successfully highlighted the complex issues that affect people who find themselves in a situation like hers, and the fact that her case has kick-started a national debate on these matters will be her lasting legacy.