A much-loved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt and friend, Mrs. Eva Elizabeth Clarke passed away in the Graan Abbey Nursing Home, Enniskillen on Friday, April 20, following a year of declining health.

Born on May 30, 1929, she was the only child of Elizabeth and Kirkwood Hamilton of Gortinar, Co. Leitrim. Eva led an active life on their farm during her childhood and attended Lurganboy Primary School.

As she grew up, she moved to live with her aunt and uncle at Breagho, Enniskillen, so that she could attend Enniskillen Collegiate Grammar School; she regularly returned home by train.

After leaving school, Eva took up a teaching post at Tedd Primary School, Irvinestown. She was dedicated to her job and continued for a number of years until the school later closed.

Eva married Adam Clarke on August 6, 1952. He was manager of Irvinestown Cooperative and they made their home on Main Street, Irvinestown. Sadly Adam died on August 6, 1960, aged 49 years. He was a great loss to Eva and their three young children. She was greatly supported by relatives and friends.

Eva moved to Burfits Hill, where she made her family her priority. She developed an interest in gardening and provided lodging for a District Nurse (now living in Canada).

Eva was a Sunday School teacher during her time in Irvinestown, and throughout her life she had always been a regular church attender until the onset of her illness.

In 1967 she became a Civil Servant with the Ministry of Agriculture and made many friends. She said that her work had been one of the most important things in her life.

In 1973, Eva and her family moved to 16 Willoughby Place, Enniskillen, to be near schools and work. She particularly enjoyed her work doing farm accounts and took a great interest in the education of her family.

In 1992, she retired from the Civil Service and had more time to devote to her interest in fruit and vegetable gardening.

She gave her time freely to friends and relatives and gave support to many of those in need. She enjoyed reciting poetry and had a great interest in animals.

She was a wonderful support to her family and grandchildren; nothing was too much.

She was proud of the achievements of her family and enjoyed travelling to visit her sons in England and the USA for holidays. She kept a diary of the many places she visited while in the USA.

Eva bore her illness with great dignity with much support from her family. After some time she went into Milverne Residential Home and then to the Graan Nursing Home. She fully appreciated all those who were involved in her care.

Eva's funeral service took place on Monday, April 23, at Rossorry Parish Church. Enniskillen, conducted by the Rev. Arthur Barrett.

The remains were laid to rest at Derryvullan North Parish Churchyard, Irvinestown, where her late husband Adam was buried.

Eva, who will always be remembered by her family as loving and generous, is survived by her three children: Norman (Sarah) Canterbury, England; Karena (Ian), Ely Lodge, Enniskillen; and David, New York, USA. She also leaves six grandchildren, Ross, Darcie, Jayne, Sarah, Jonathan and Timothy.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Austen Stinson, of W.T. Morrison, Darling Street, Enniskillen. Donations in lieu of flowers were sent to Cancer Focus NI.