RIP: 'One in a million'- Woman wishes for people to wear sunset colours to her funeral

Tributes have poured in following the passing of a young woman from Louth who died following a tragic battle with cancer.

Ziva Lily Sheehy Cussen was from Roschoill, Dublin Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth and died on 17th January 2026.

The 24-year-old woman died peacefully surrounded by her loving family under the exceptional care of St. Vincent’s Private Hospital in Dublin.

Ziva will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her adoring parents, Jim and Marcelle and her loving sister, Lainey.

She will be sadly missed by her heartbroken Dad, Mum and sister; her grandparents Madeleine (Sheehy) and Michael and Rita (Cussen), her parents partners Elaine and John; her aunts, uncles and cousins.

She will be forever cherished by her best friend Niamh, her extended family, a close circle of friends, her loyal dog and bestie Koa along with the community she bravely inspired through her dedication to self-advocacy.

The young woman advocated for young women across Ireland fighting cancer. Below is a clip shared by Breast Cancer Ireland, tributing the young woman:

Funeral Arrangements:

Reposing at her home from 12 o’clock until 7 o’clock on Wednesday 21st of January.

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Funeral Mass on Thursday 22nd at 11.30am in St. Mary’s Church and burial afterwards in Calvary Cemetery.

Family flowers only and donations if desired to The Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre.

Donations can be made to: https://gkcancersupport.com/donate/ and Oscar Kids Ireland https://oscarskids.ie/

At Ziva’s own request, people are asked to wear a pop of ‘Sunset’ colour to her funeral.

Countless messages have been left on RIP.ie, from those who knew and loved Ziva, with one mourner writing:

"My deepest sympathies to Marcelle, Jim, Lainey and all the Sheehy and Cussen families. I was honoured to meet Ziva where she spoke so eloquently about her diagnosis. Her grace was something to behold. I am truly sorry for your unimaginable loss".

Another message said, "I have been following Ziva’s journey on social media and I am heartbroken to hear of her passing. Ziva was clearly a very brave and strong young woman who showed immense kindness by sharing her journey with others to raise awareness and remaining positive during such a difficult time.

"My sincere condolences to all those who will miss Ziva especially her family. You will all be in my prayers as well as beautiful Ziva. Rest in Peace, you will always be remembered".

"I am deeply saddened by Ziva’s untimely passing. I was mesmerised by a video she recently shared of her playing the piano for the first time ever, such a beautiful glimpse of her light and natural talent. Ziva was an inspiration to all young women, and leaves behind a lasting, powerful legacy. May she rest in eternal peace," another person said.

"Ziva, your legacy will live on in all who love you and all who have been so lucky to know you even for a moment. You are one in a million and I hope that you find perfect peace. Rest easy beautiful, everyone will miss you so much x," another heartbroken person said.