**Victoria Mary Clarke, Widow of Shane MacGowan, Announces Death of Her Sister Vanessa**
Victoria Mary Clarke, widow of Shane MacGowan, has announced the heartbreaking death of her sister Vanessa on Friday night, nearly two years after the passing of her husband. The Irish journalist and writer, aged 59, took to social media to share the sad news, describing Vanessa as her “best friend.”
In a heartfelt and lengthy tribute, Victoria shared a touching snap of Vanessa posing with the late singer. She wrote:
*“My beautiful sister Vanessa died last night. She has been my best friend since we were babies and she was the embodiment of kindness and compassion and one of the most selfless and caring humans on this planet.*
*She was the best and the brightest and the smartest woman you could meet and she looked after everyone around her and she was interested in everything.*
*We were all blessed to have had her in our lives even though it wasn’t nearly long enough. I’m devastated without her and she will leave an enormous void in our lives.*
*She loved @shanemacgowanofficial like a sister and he adored her so I hope and pray that he was waiting for her when she crossed over and that he is looking after her and that she is feeling the love that we are all sending her for her journey onwards.*
*Bless you my darling sister I love you forever.”*
Shane MacGowan, the iconic frontman of The Pogues, died in November 2023 from pneumonia after struggling with declining health for years.
Many friends and fans took to social media to offer their condolences. Irish singer Imelda May was among the first to respond, writing:
*”I’m so sorry. She was so vivacious, beaming with love and lovely to be around. She’ll be missed by many. I love you to bits.”*
Another fan expressed their sympathies:
*”So sorry to hear about this Victoria. Vanessa was a special woman. Sending you and your family love.”*
A third added:
*”Oh I am so sorry to hear this news Victoria. Sending sincere sympathy for the loss of your sister.”*
Victoria first met Shane MacGowan when she was just 16 years old at the Royal Oak pub in North London, in December 1982. Despite their eight-year age difference, the couple began dating in 1986 and eventually married in 2018. They celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary just days before Shane’s death.
Speaking last year about their relationship, Victoria reflected:
*”My life changed completely when I met him and it was like this missing piece of my life has arrived.”*
She went on to describe the “pure, unconditional love” they shared, which made them “unable to hold grudges.” Victoria candidly revealed:
*”We both did things that other couples would totally break up over. Being unfaithful to each other, most people would think that’s a dealbreaker.*
*But we just absolutely loved each other, completely and utterly.”*
Despite Shane’s years of ill health, Victoria said his death from pneumonia was still a shock. She explained:
*”He never actually had a life-threatening or terminal illness, ever. So I fully expected him to recover and so did he.*
*So I think that was probably good for both of us because we didn’t act as though he was dying. We had a bit of fun in the hospital and he got on great with the staff but he was looking forward to going home.”*
The heartfelt tribute from Victoria Mary Clarke captures the immense grief she feels at the loss of her sister Vanessa, as well as honoring the loving memory of her late husband Shane MacGowan.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15116449/Shane-MacGowans-widow-Victoria-Mary-Clarke-announces-death-sister-fans.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
