Mrs. Florence McKenzie
Editorial Department • Published 11 Oct 2012 13:00
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A much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, Mrs Florence McKenzie, late of 5 McQuaid Villas, Ballinamallard, passed away peacefully on Monday September 3, 2012, aged 87 years. She was predeceased by her husband Willie in 1983. Until about a year ago she led a full and active life and indeed with the help of her family and carers she managed to live comfortably in her own home until March of this year when, unfortunately a spell of illness rendered her unable to continue to do so.
Florrie (as she was always known) was born on February 20, 1925, the third child in a family of six, the daughter of Mary and Sandy Wallace from Knockmanowl.
She attended Mullaghmeen School and on leaving took up a position with Major Irvine of Killadeas. She cycled to and from her home in Knockmanowl each morning and evening, no mean feat when you consider the weather and road conditions back then, possibly also a bicycle without gears.
She later moved to England where she joined the WRAF and served for some time before marrying William McKenzie, (a local man from near Irvinestown). They went on to have their first child, Joyce.
Eventually the family returned home to the Ballinamallard area, later moving to Kilskeery where Willie worked as a farm labourer while Florrie dedicated her time to bringing up a family of four boys and two girls. Florrie, Willie and family were regular Church goers and were always active members of the community. They both enjoyed going to Whist Drives in the local hall.
In 1972 the family moved back to Ballinamallard where they continued to be fully involved in the Church and local community.
Florrie was a lifelong member of the Mothers' Union. She loved the meetings and the companionship it gave her right until the end. She played bowls, often travelling to different counties, and was well known in the bowling community.
She was also a member of Drumharvey WLOL where she at one time held the position of Deputy Mistress. One of her great talking points was, as a member of the 21 Club she was privileged to meet the Queen during her visit to Ballinamallard in 2002.
Florrie was an avid follower of TV sport, snooker being her all-time passion. Many a day and night were spent glued to the television screen, especially during the World Championships, and woe betide anyone who interrupted her viewing especially when her all-time hero Steve Davis was playing.
In 2001 she suffered a stroke and although quite serious she made an excellent recovery. Unfortunately she had to resign from the bowls she loved. However she still enjoyed getting out and about. She still attended her Church and when ill health rendered her unfit, she always made time to listen and sing along to recordings of the Sunday morning Service.
Friday was a day she particularly looked forward to, in the morning she went to the hairdresser, then her weekly shopping trip to Beatty's Spar, where she was a familiar sight, tapping and pointing out goods with the aid of her walking stick.
Florrie loved having neighbours and friends call into her home, she liked nothing better than a good chat, a cup of tea and a 'catch up' on village life. She thoroughly enjoyed home baking, apple tarts being her speciality.
Florrie was a wonderful support to her family; she was there to provide support and offer advice when needed, and this was evident in the attention and care shown to her in her final months. Her funeral service took place on September 5, 2012 at Magheracross Parish Church in Ballinamallard, conducted by the Rev. Charlie Eames. She was laid to rest with her late husband in Craghan cemetery. Refreshments followed in the Archdale Hall. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Austen Stinson, of WT Morrison, Darling Street, Enniskillen.
Florrie will always be fondly remembered by her family, She is survived by her children, Joyce (Alex), Enniskillen, Addison (Hazel), Victor, Ballinamallard, Selina, Derek, Enniskillen and Gordon (Lorraine), Omagh. Grandchildren, Samantha, Wayne, Nici, Susanne, Mark, Glenn, David, Jonathan, Gary and seven great grandchildren. She also leaves a sister, May, Ballinamallard and brothers Norman in Australia and John in Omagh.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 11 Oct 12
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