Mrs. Elizabeth Orr

Betty was born on July 1, 1926, at the family home of Freughmore, Clogher, the first child of a family of four of James and Ellen Potter. She was educated at Fardross School and later at Strabane Agricultural College. Whilst at school she excelled at writing compositions and poetry. This love of literature remained with Betty throughout her life and her passion for poetry arose from a natural talent for putting words to verse to suit all occasions.

She then trained as a nurse in Lurgan and Portadown Hospital and continued her training as a midwife in Simpson Memorial - part of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Betty returned to Northern Ireland as a District Nurse in Belfast and later became a Health Visitor in the Dunmurry area, prior to returning to the Clogher Valley, where she became a District Nursing Sister.

Her marriage to the late Edward Orr took place on March 31, 1965 and the couple made their home at Waterside House, Edward's family home. Eddie's sudden passing at the age of 54, on January 22, 1979, came as a devastating blow to Betty and Isabel.

Following her marriage Betty took a career break and she concentrated on being a farmer's wife and raising their only daughter, Isabel. She returned to work in 1971 in the Clogher Valley, where she served as a District Nursing Sister and also as a midwife, prior to retiring in March 1990.

A very professional and caring nurse, who showed immense kindness to her patients, she always went the extra mile for those in her care. In the years that followed her retirement, Betty was still fondly remembered as Nurse Orr by her former patients.

A dedicated and very organised mother, who had boundless energy, Betty had been a wonderful homemaker, for whom nothing was too much trouble. An accomplished baker, cooking and baking were her great loves and her rhubarb tarts, fruit cakes and plum pudding were some of her most loved dishes. Callers always received a warm welcome at Betty's home; she loved the chat and no-one left without a cup of tea and some homebakes.

Among her hobbies were knitting - a talent rewarded with prizes at local shows. Other handcrafts she enjoyed were quilting, crochet work, sewing, embroidery and calligraphy.

She later developed a keen interest in and flair for cake artistry completing a number of courses in sugarcraft icing. She went on to decorate several wedding cakes, Christening cakes and cakes for all occasions. A keen amateur photographer, she also enjoyed competition success for her photography.

Betty was a widely read person and loved to keep up to date with all news and current affairs, ensuring both a modern outlook and an informed attitude.

Her garden was very special to her and she loved the summer months when she could spend time outdoors tending to her flowers and shrubs.

Among her interests had been Aughentaine P.W., formerly Presbyterian Women's Association, Aughentaine Bowling Club, and she served as a Nursing Officer in Clogher for St. John Ambulance.

She delighted in driving and loved getting out and about - an interest which continued until her passing. She travelled widely abroad and her many family holidays in Ireland and Scotland also gave her great pleasure over many years.

Her Church was very important to Betty who had been a Sunday School teacher in her early years and prior to her marriage she attended Bible class at Fardross. From childhood, Betty had been a member of St. Macartan's Cathedral, Clogher and she was a member of the Friends of the Cathedral - a church which always held a very special place in her heart.

She became a faithful member of Aughentaine Presbyterian Church, following her marriage to Edward, who was an Elder in the church.

Betty rose to every challenge and saw each one as an opportunity to be grasped upon. She lived life to the full. Her's was a life well lived and well loved.

A service at the family home on Saturday, December 3, was followed by the funeral service at Aughentaine Presbyterian Church, conducted by family friend, the Rev. Ian Abraham, a former minister of the church, in the unavoidable absence of Betty's current minister, the Rev. Colin Dickson. (Mr. Dickson had been very attentive to Betty and his presence at the R.V.H. was very much appreciated by the family). Assisting at the funeral service and at the graveside was the Rev. Alistair Warke, of St. Macartan's Cathedral, Clogher, while the Rev. Professor Cecil McCullough, a friend of the family, read 1st Corinthians Chapter 13, one of Betty's favourite readings.

The hymns at the funeral were 'For those we love within the veil'; 'Be still, my soul'; and 'Heavenly Father, Thou has brought us'.

The organist was Mrs. Diane Porter and the pianist was Miss Heather Ellison.

At the service in the home, the hymns, also two of Betty's favourites, were 'What A Friend we have in Jesus' and 'Be Thou My Vision'. Psalm 1, which held special significance, was read by John McCrory, an Elder at Aughentaine Presbyterian Church, and William Trimble, also an Elder at Aughentaine, closed in prayer. The pianist was Mrs. Dorothy Beatty.

The large attendance at the funeral service bore testimony to the high esteem in which Betty was held. After the ceremony, everyone was invited back to the adjoining churchhall for tea.

Betty is survived by her daughter Isabel; her sister Sallie (Kenwell), Finaghy, and her brother Jim at Freughmore, Clogher.

She was predeceased by her brother Jack in 1982 and by her husband, Eddie in 1979.

Her daughter Isabel is very thankful to everyone for their kindness and support at this very sad time.

The funeral arrangements were carried out in a most dignified and caring manner by S.R. Elliott and Sons, funeral directors, Darling Street, Enniskillen. Donations in lieu of flowers are being directed to the NI Chest, Heart and Stroke Association, c/o S.R. Elliott's.