Mrs. Evelyn Armstrong

Editorial Department • Published 23 Dec 2009 09:00

Much sadness has been felt following the recent death of Evelyn Armstrong, who passed away peacefully in the Erne Hospital on December 3, 2009.

Evelyn was born on October 26, 1952, she was the second youngest child in a family of seven; her parents were the late Thomas and Charlotte Elliott, Cornagee, Blacklion, Co. Cavan.

She attended Blacklion Primary School and later St. Joseph's, Manorhamilton. On completing her education, she went to work in her uncle Thomas's grocery store in Belcoo before moving to G.E. Wilson's in Enniskillen to work with fabric and drapery.

On August 21, 1975, Evelyn married David Armstrong, Gortnacally, Florencecourt and became a full partner in the running of the family business, Wm Armstrong, Florencecourt. Over the years they found great joy in the arrival of their four children and more recently the addition of their first son-in-law.

After the death of Mr. Edgar Bracken, Evelyn took on the extra work of postmistress until her retirement in 2006. During her time working in the shop, Evelyn became a friend and confidante to many who met her because of her caring nature and generosity. Early in her retirement Evelyn would comment that she didn't miss the long days in the shop but of how she missed meeting with the local people on a daily basis.

Evelyn was a former member of the G.F.S. Blacklion, the P.T.A. at Florencecourt Primary School and Florencecourt Women's Institute. She had a keen interest and was a member of the Mother's Union, Killesher and served as Enrolling member for many years. She was a true and reliable member of her community and active member of St. John's Parish, Florencecourt. She had happy times being a Sunday School teacher and choir member. Evelyn was a great homemaker and enjoyed the company of her family and friends.

In 2004, Evelyn was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and after surgery and extensive treatment she had four healthy years before a re-occurence in November 2008. She accepted her illness with great courage and had remarkable strength and bravery for both herself and her family. This was shown in her determination to not only attend but to enjoy her daughter's wedding service only five days before her death.

Evelyn is survived by her husband David; children Sarah, Clare, Donna and William and her son-in-law James; her brothers John, Andrew and Thomas and her sisters Elizabeth, Maureen and Madeline and their extended families.

The funeral was from her late home at Gortnacally, Florencecourt on December 5, 2009 to St. John's Church, Florencecourt. There was a large attendance at the service of thanksgiving conducted by Rev. Ivan Ruiters who spoke of Evelyn's love. The hymns, which Evelyn had chosen herself were "Yield Not to Temptation", "Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah" and "Thine Be the Glory". The organist was Mr. Robert Wilson. Tributes were read by her daughters Sarah and Clare, which included Evelyn's own personal testimony and readings were by her brother John and Rev. Ivan Ruiters. The burial took place at the family plot in the adjoining graveyard.

Funeral arrangements were by W.T. Morrison, Darling Street, Enniskillen.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 23 Dec 09

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