Mrs. Vera Buchanan died peacefully on April 25, 2016, at the Graan Nursing Home, Enniskillen.

Vera Alicia Richardson was born on April 29, 1928 in the parish of Tomregan close to Ballyconnell in Kilmore Diocese in the family home. Her parents were John and Lilian Richardson. The Richardson family moved to Enniskillen when Vera was five years of age.

She attended Enniskillen Model School and later the Collegiate Junior School. She then moved to Dungannon High School for girls, now the Royal School, where her mother had been a boarder. After two years Vera moved to Rosleven School for girls in Athlone where Hilda Richardson, a relative, was principal. 

Vera then progressed to University and spent four years at Trinity College, Dublin, graduating with a B.A. and a Diploma in social science from that newly formed department. 

Some years later after the marriage to Ernest Buchanan on April 3, 1961, to whom she was devoted, and while living in Bangor, Co. Down, Vera took up study at Queen’s University obtaining a diploma in Psychology. Still later another academic qualification followed when she studied with Goldsmith’s Hall, London and became a fellow of the Gemmological Association of Goldsmiths of G.B. and Ireland. 

Her professional working life began following her graduation from T.C.D. when she joined as assistant in the newly formed Tyrone County Council Children’s Welfare Department and two years later Vera became the first Children’s Welfare Officer for Co. Fermanagh where she remained until her husband’s transfer as Bank of Ireland agent in Bangor. 

Later after retirement, when living in Downings, Co. Donegal, she spent some time on psychiatric work at Letterkenny Hospital, and then after moving to Augher became manager of Richardson’s Jewellers in Omagh. 

Finally Vera and Ernest retired to the Enniskillen area and he predeceased her in 1999. Vera’s health deteriorated in recent years and she became a resident first in the Millverne and then the Graan Nursing Home. She received excellent and loving care from the dedicated staff. 

The funeral service was held in Rossorry Parish Church, conducted by the Rev. Canon Ian Ellis assisted by the Rev. Canon Desmond Kingston.

Vera was predeceased by her sister Valerie and is survived by her brothers John and Forster. The funeral arrangements were carried out by W.T.Morrison, Enniskillen.