Lyra McKee’s close friend Stephen Lusty was the first to speak at her service - telling mourners Lyra had planned to propose to her partner Sara Canning in May.
Lyra’s big sister Nichola Corner, spoke next, and told the crowd at St Anne’s Cathedral when the pair met, Lyra had called to tell her she was “the one.”
Ms Canning has been pictured watching, devastated, as her partner’s coffin was carried past.
Lyra McKee funeral: Crowds line the streets of Belfast as journalist is laid to rest
The fallen journalist’s sister has spoken of the “honour” of being able to name her own baby sibling, who she called “wee Lyra”.
Nichola said she was 15 when Lyra was born, and the girls’ mother asked her to be the baby’s Godmother.
Speaking to mourners, she told them her sister had led an honourable life.
Lyra McKee family issue statement paying tribute to "a gentle, innocent soul"
She said: “Lyra is an inspiration to many people. Her whole life story speaks of rising above or pushing against external challenges.”
Earlier, UK Prime Minister Theresa May stopped to speak to Ms Canning, and Lyra’s grieving family.
Mr Lusty said Lyra’s “starlight” filled the cathedral and he praised her as smart, kind and compassionate. He said she was fearless and naive in her early days.
She supported him through dark times, when he was scared, lonely and isolated.
He said she often gave half her dinner money to a homeless person she had come across, making her late when she was due to meet him.
New IRA admits responsibility for death of journalist Lyra McKee
He described the fallen journalist as a “new age punk”, the embodiment of the Troubles-era band Stiff Little Fingers’ Alternative Ulster hit.
“She embodied the future of finding commonality, enjoying difference in others.”
He said Ulster had been robbed of a talent destined to become a stateswoman, with only holes left behind.
He said Miss McKee’s lasting legacy should be peace.
“We have two choices, we can look into the holes and wait forever... or we can fill those holes today.
“Today we grieve but tomorrow let us fill that hole by adopting Lyra’s future and vision.”
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