Mrs. Mollie Hurst, a much loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away on March 11 at the Drumclay Care Home, Enniskillen, aged 97. 

Late of Rossclare Lodge, Killadeas, her husband was the late George H. Hurst.

Mollie, as she was known was a strong independent lady.

Since the death of her husband George, she had managed to live on her own in her much loved Rossclare until very recently. 
However she was still able to lead an active social life.
She particularly enjoyed the frequent visits from her faithful friends.

Mollie was born in Donegal. She was one of six children of James and Eva Johnston. 

She is survived by a sister Frances and a brother, George.
The family lived for some time in what was known as the “Cottage”, a shooting lodge near Pettigo, where they then spent summers. 

They eventually moved to Belfast where her father became Secretary of the Ulster Agricultural Cooperative organisation.

George and Mollie were married in 1946 (over 70 years ago). 
They started married life in Anne Street, Enniskillen, moving house twice before settling in Rossclare, just behind the Priory Church at Killadeas. 

The couple had three children Ingrid (Mike), Ronald (Pam), and Janet (Jonny).

A grandmother of seven grandchildren, Mollie had seven great grandchildren, five boys and two girls in each generation. 
They all enjoyed visiting her and she took a great interest in their lives.

Mollie was a font of genealogical knowledge. She had traced both the Hurst and Johnston trees back to the 1700s. 
In fact, she encouraged relations from both families from all around the world to visit Rossclare.

After her family, her next love was the garden. Her knowledge and appreciation of plants was amazing.
She tended and extended a beautiful garden, working physically until she was in her late 80s.

She was content to work outside from dawn to dusk, then produce a barbeque or three course meal for whoever was around.

Mollie had visited the USA in the 1950s and the Hurst family were introduced to barbeques long before they became fashionable. 
George was a reluctant traveller but Mollie encouraged him to visit Danish friends in 1962 and later in life they visited relatives in Australia and New Zealand with whom she has always kept in contact.

She loved to visit other gardens too. She went on frequent trips with her friends in the Gardening Society.
On these occasions, she would bring home the odd specimen, which flourished in her garden.

Mollie greatly enjoyed music. Although partially deaf, she still continued singing in the church choir into her late 80s.

Although she naturally slowed down in her 90s, Mollie was fortunate to have good health until last Christmas when several serious infections proved ultimately too difficult to defeat. 

It was only then, that she was unable to continue her lifelong practice of daily devotions.

The carers who aided Mollie at her home over the last couple of years are thanked by her family.

The family are also thankful for the company and friendliness of her good neighbours.

They are sad to say farewell to the matriarch of the family but pleased to have so many happy memories over the years.

Mollie’s funeral service took place on Wednesday, March 15, in the Priory Church, Killadeas. It was followed by interment in the adjoining Churchyard. The service was conducted by Canon Mark Watson.
He was assisted by Archdeacon Brian Harper. 

Mollie is very sadly missed by her loving family and all the family circle.
The funeral arrangements were by Funeral Directors, S.R. Elliott and Sons, Darling Street, Enniskillen.