Mrs. Sarah Irene Duncan
Editorial Department • Published 25 Oct 2012 09:30
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A much loved mother and grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Irene Duncan, of 10 Friars' Way, Enniskillen, passed away on Saturday, September 22 at the South West Acute Hospital, having led a very active and fulfilling life.
Irene, formerly Wood from Boheavny, Church Hill, was a daughter of the late William and Henrietta Wood, who had a family of three daughters and one son. Irene was predeceased by her sister, Enid Walkingshaw (Lisburn), and her brother, Robert Wood (Church Hill). She is survived by her sister, Kathleen Irwin (Boho).
On leaving school, Irene went to work in the office at Derrygonnelly Creamery and later met her future husband, Robert (Bertie) Duncan. They married in 1954 at Church Hill Methodist Church. Once married, the young couple decided to emigrate to Rhodesia in 1956 to make a new life for themselves and their young baby son, David. This decision entailed sailing from Southampton to Cape Town on the Edinburgh Castle and then a long train journey from Cape Town brought them to Salisbury (Harare) in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Lorraine, their daughter was born in Salisbury some years later and it was whilst rearing her family that Irene also worked part-time as a book-keeper for several large firms.
During her time in Rhodesia, Irene attended Central Avenue Methodist Church and was very involved in various aspects of charity work. Eventually in 1989, Irene and Bertie decided to return to Enniskillen to retire. They made their home at Silverhill and had three very happy years there until sadly Bertie died in 1992. Irene remained at Silverhill until 2001 when she moved to Friar's Way. The 11 years she spent at Friars' Way were very special to her and she was well looked after by her wonderful neighbours.
Irene was a very outgoing and sociable person, who took part in many activities such as the Friendship Club, Methodist Womens' Association, the Womens' Institute and she also did volunteer work in the Action Cancer shop.
Irene was loved by young and old alike and always had a great interest in everyone she met.
A service of Thanksgiving for her life was held on Monday, September 24 2012 in Darling Street Methodist Church, where the Rev. Sam McGuffin officiated. Mrs. Ingrid Logan, a close friend, played the organ.
Mr. Alan Devers, husband of Lorraine, read a moving tribute from Irene's grandson, Rory in South Africa. The hymns were "How Deep Thy Father's Love For Us," and "Thine Be The Glory," and Psalm 21 was read.
Refreshments were provided in the Church Hall and afterwards interment was in Inishmacsaint Graveyard.
The funeral arrangements were by W.T. Morrison, Darling Street, Enniskillen and donations in lieu of flowers were being made to Darling Street Methodist Church.
Irene is survived by her son, David, daughter-in-law, Lynette and grandsons Ryan and Rory in South Africa; her daughter, Lorraine, son-in-law Alan and grandchildren, Tara and Shane in Portrush and her sister, Kathleen in Boho and a wide extended family circle.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 25 Oct 12
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