A much loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Della Robinson passed away peacefully on August 21, 2012 in the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen.

Della was born in 1928 to George and Jane Cathcart at Tedd, Irvinestown. Her father was a handyman who included thatching amongst his many skills. Her mother raised a family of nine - Dora (Mrs. Keily) May (Mrs. Craig), William, John, Lizzy (died an infant) Ivor, Jim, Della and Julia (Mrs. Johnson).

Della received her education at Aghagaffert school near Irvinestown where she started at the age of four, walking over fields to get there - no school buses then! Her education equipped her with many skills that she made great use of in later life - baking, sewing and knitting included.

She experienced pain and sadness at an early age when her brother William died from TB when she was just 10 years of age.

When she left school she devoted her life to helping her parents on the family farm, completing all of the required tasks with the dedication and conviction that she applied to everything she did and with which she was well renowned.

She married John Robinson who lived on the neighbouring farm where they raised their family of six - William (Limavady), Jim (Lisburn), John (Belfast), Henry (Ballinamallard), Dora (Lisburn) and David (Tedd). She had 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Sadly one of her grandchildren, David (son of William and Meta, Limavady) was tragically killed in a traffic accident in 1985. She followed intently and with enormous pride the activities and achievements of all her children and grandchildren and was truly the centre of the family circle, organising regular 'get togethers' which she thoroughly enjoyed.

In her early years she was always devoted to helping others and did endless caring deeds for many in the community during her lifetime. Her husband, John's death in 1998 dealt Della a sad blow, as they were a very devoted and supportive couple.

However, surrounded by family and friends she created a new life for herself by attending senior citizens' clubs etc.

It was in this environment that she met so many dear friends who provided a great camaraderie and friendship over the ensuing years.

The telephone was her lifeline too and she spent many hours on a daily basis catching up with family and friends. Indeed the hour or two before bedtime each night was spent checking on the wellbeing of many of these friends.

She had a young mind and could engage in meaningful conversation with her grandchildren where no topic was out of bounds. She baked with all of them - scones, pancakes, tray bakes etc - memories they all recall with laughter and fondness.

With her sister Julia, Della travelled to Canada in 2004 to visit her family members there and, up until her death, fondly recalled many of the exploits during that trip.

Della loved her church and although ill health prevented her attendance in recent years, she looked forward to the frequent pastoral visits and participated in regular home communion. She eagerly awaited the monthly Diocesan Magazine to get up to date with the latest church news.

Della loved visitors and enjoyed the company of her friends, whether in her own home where the kettle was always on the boil, or in the Day Centre or Senior Citizens' Club, the weekly outings that she loved so much.

Four members of the family have now passed away in the past 18 months - Ivor and Jim in Canada and John and Della in Fermanagh. One sister Lizzy died at 18 months from whooping cough. Her other sisters, Dora passed away in 1994 and May in 2003. She is now survived by her youngest sister Julia who lives in Liverpool.

Her funeral, which was from her home in Tedd to Derryvullen North Parish Church, Irvinestown, was very well attended.

The service was conducted by the Rev Canon Glenn West, assisted by Dr Margaret Elliott and Eileen Cutler. The organist was Mr. Wilson Henry.

The hymns "Be thou my vision", "Nearer my God to thee" and "The day thou gavest Lord is ended" were sung. A very moving tribute was read by Eileen Cutler on behalf of her granddaughter Heather, now resident in Turkey.

Donations in lieu of flowers were shared between the Lowtherstown Day Centre and Derryvullen North Parish Church.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by FG McFarland & Sons, Kesh.