Mrs. Olive Elizabeth Kerr

Published 3 Sep 2010 09:00

The death of Olive Elizabeth Kerr, a wellknown Fermanagh businesswoman took place on July 30, 2010. Olive passed away at her home following a long illness courageously borne with tremendous patience, fortitude and dignity and in the loving care of her family.

Olive was born on November 18, 1937, the second eldest of five children to Elizabeth and Robert Armstrong of Golan Bridge, Trillick. As a young lady Olive had a keen interest in outdoor activities and was a very keen fisherwoman, some of her favourite times being spent with her father fishing for salmon and trout.

After attending Golan National School, Olive gained employment in Elliott’s grocery shop, Enniskillen, before becoming manager and later proprietor of McCutcheon’s grocery store at Woaghternerry.

At this stage, she met her future husband Melvyn, a native of Fivemiletown and they set up home in Newtownbutler, where they raised a family of six children, one of whom (Mark) sadly passed away in infancy.

Upon moving to Newtownbutler, Olive worked in Johnson’s drapery shop before working in Cecil Burke’s Newsagents. After a few years, Olive and Melvyn bought a grocery and hardware shop in High Street. This shop, and indeed the Kerr home, became a centre for those in need, with both sides of the community benefiting from a truly humble, hardworking and generous woman, who gave away everything she had to give.

During the difficult period of the troubles, Olive never lost hope and continued to help people from all communities, even when her home sustained extensive bomb damage, on numerous occasions. Her faith strengthened her and helped her through these difficult periods and she never lost hope that God would keep her and her family safe in the face of the danger they and other families faced on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, in 1994 Olive became ill and following brain surgery became wheelchair bound and dependant on her family for care. Due to sensitivities in Newtownbutler in the mid-1990s and with Olive’s safety and care needs in mind, the Kerr family relocated to Fivemiletown. However, Olive remained a regular worshipper in Galloon Parish Church and a faithful member of the Mothers’ Union in the parish.

Despite her declining health in recent years Olive remained cheerful, always smiling when greeting people. She looked forward to family trips especially the 12th July where she could meet old friends; and see her sons playing in Newtownbutler band. She enjoyed her annual holiday to Portrush and watching matches at the annual Milk Cup tournament, particularly in the years her grandsons were playing. Olive loved to spend time with her grandchildren and took great delight in their visits. In the last years of her life her health deteriorated and she required 24-hour care in her home from her family and devoted carers. Despite this she remained positive and never complained. She developed a unique bond of love and friendship with her carers and they became part of her wider family.

A short service of prayer and reflection was conducted in the family home by Mr. Robert Fyffe, Diocesan Lay Reader and lifelong friend of Olive’s, assisted by the Rev. Peter McIntyre. Olive’s funeral service was held in Galloon Parish Church, Newtownbutler. Canon Robert Riddel officiated at this Service of Thanksgiving for Olive’s life, excelling in his address; recounting Olive’s life and faith as a testimony to what the love of God can be in our lives. The hymns were: “Immortal Invisible”, “O Lord my God When I in Awesome Wonder” and “Abide with Me”. The 23rd Psalm was read by Olive’s oldest grandchild, Mark and the scripture reading from Proverbs chapter 31 was read by her youngest son Andrew. Interment was in Colebrooke Parish Graveyard.

Olive was predeceased by her husband Melvyn in 2001 and son Mark. She is survived by her three sons, two daughters and seven grandchildren, Christine and husband Norman and grandsons Mark and Adam, Trevor and fiancé Joy, Heather and husband Michael and grandsons James, Nathan and Daniel, Derek and wife Diane and granddaughter Ella, Andrew and wife Sandra and grandson Mathew. Olive is also survived by her brother Benjamin, wife Mary (Trillick); sister Doris, husband Cecil (Lisburn); sister Rita (Portadown) and brother Noel, wife Joyce (Trillick). Donations in lieu of flowers are to the Macmillan and Marie Curie Funds c/o W.T. Morrison.

The funeral arrangements were by Austen Stinson, W. T. Morrison, Darling Street, Enniskillen.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 02 Sep 10

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