Tessie was the second youngest daughter of John and Katie McBrien, Toneyteague, Bellanaleck, where she grew up with her four sisters and one brother.

    She began her working life at the tender age of 16 in Gracey Brothers, Enniskillen, where she remained until her marriage to Charlie.

    Tessie and Charlie were married in 1962 and they made their home at Carneyhill, Bellanaleck.

    As a young girl and later as a married woman, Tessie actively took part in the local drama group.

    Throughout her married life Tessie played a central part in the local community and football association and also in the local Altar Society.

    After Tessie raised her six children she took up the position of home help and through this job she made many great friends throughout the local community.

    Family life was central to Tessie and as her health deteriorated over the last few years it became all the more important.

    Although Tessie’s mobility had declined recently those who knew her will always remember her as someone who loved to socialise and enjoyed the crack.

    Her love of people and infectious personality was reflected in the large number of people who came to her home and attended her funeral Mass.

    The Rev. Fr. Finnegan, C.P., Cleenish, a personal friend of Tessie’s celebrated the funeral Mass.

    The readings were by Tessie’s daughter Una and daughter-in-law Sharon.

    The Prayers of the Faithful were led by her nieces, Siobhan, Marion, Jackie, Finola and Barbara. Offertory gifts were presented by Tessie’s daughters, Mary, Caroline, Annette and Una.

    The soloist was Jackie Bannon.

    Burial was in the adjoining cemetery.

    Tessie passed away on Sunday, 4th August quietly and peacefully surrounded in the loving and tender care of her family. She may have lost the physical battle but her spirit and soul eventually won, her courage and faith in the face of adversity, was an inspiration to all.

    She will be sadly missed and always loved by her husband Charlie; daughters Mary (Peadar); Caroline (Jochan); Annette (John); Una; her sons Damien, Brian (Sharon); grandchildren, Sinead, Ashléen and Ryan; sisters Molly (Ward), Kathleen (Love), Peggy (Nevin), Una (Farmer); her sister-in-law Florence (McBrien). Tessie was pre-deceased by her only brother Frank in 1996.