THE first female driving instructor in Fermanagh has died following a short illness.

Mrs. Betsy McDonnell, who lived at Carnmore Rise in Enniskillen, died peacefully at her home on November 12 surrounded by her family. She was 89.

One of four children, Betsy, nee Brady, was born in the parish of Kill, Cootehill in County Cavan but spent most of her childhood and adolescence in Clontivern, Newtownbutler, where she attended Clonmaulin National School. She subsequently began her working life in Wilsons, Enniskillen where she completed her apprenticeship under the guidance of the late Gordon Wilson, and later was employed in the Taylor Woods factory.

Betsy married Seamie Mc Donnell, a native of Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh on February 20 1950 and the following year they moved to 10 Carnmore Rise which remains the family home to this day.

The couple were blessed with eight children; Carmel, who died in 1960 shortly after her birth, and seven who have survived her; Martin, Colette, Paula, Eamonn, Noel, Aileen and Orla. When her youngest child started school in 1968 Betsy returned to work in the Standards and Telephone and Cables Company.

In 1978 Betsy was devastated by the sudden death of Seamie, her husband of 28 years. Three years later the Standard Telephone and Cables Factory closed but in the face of this adversity, in 1982, she succeeded in becoming the first female driving instructor in Fermanagh. She ran the Carnmore School of Motoring for the next 25 years. Not prepared to rest on her laurels even then, she attended the Fermanagh College and qualified as a reflexologist and followed this by completing some computer training.

Her family say her innate determination, intelligence and drive combined with great warmth, humour, compassion and a genuine interest in the welfare of her pupils and others, made her a well-known, popular and much loved character throughout the county.

A woman of great religious faith, Betsy served as both a reader and Eucharistic minister in St. Michael’s Church and the Graan for over 20 years and participated in Ecumenical events at every opportunity. She was a member of the Graan 10.30am choir.

A very talented dress maker, knitter and baker, Betsy also loved music, dancing and drama. Travel also featured strongly in her life as she visited family in Lagos, Argentina, Chile, Brazil and America as well as many holidays across Europe.

In more recent years she enjoyed nothing more than the company of her children, grandchildren, great grandchild and extended family which included the entire Community at the Graan.

She faced her final illness with great faith, courage and acceptance and will be sorely missed. Betsy is survived by seven children, 16 grandchildren and one great grandchild.