A well-known and highly respected member of the Enniskillen community, Madeline Murphy passed away peacefully at the South West Acute Hospital on January 13, 2014, aged 86 years.

Born “between the bridges” in Water Street on April 27, 1927, Madeline was the fourth of 13 children of William and Selina Gallinagh.

Madeline’s early education was at the Convent of Mercy Primary School and on leaving school she worked initially as a Housekeeper. After raising her family she returned to work and spent more than 10 years at Mount Lourdes Grammar School until she retired.

On September 16, 1957, she married Gerald (Gerry) Murphy and after a short time in London they set up their first home in Queen Street, Enniskillen. In October 1962, they moved to 18 Galliagh Terrace in Cornagrade where Madeline was living until her death.

Madeline was blessed with five children, four sons and a daughter. In 1984 she became a grandmother for the first time, followed by a further 10 grandchildren.

Her immediate and wider family circle was very important to her and she was a constant support, guidance and encouragement to all her children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Madeline had a very strong faith and she and Gerry attended mass daily at St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen. The high regard in which Madeline was held by the Enniskillen community was reflected in the large number of people who called to the family home and the large attendance at the removal to St. Michael’s Church last Wednesday evening (January 15) and Requiem Mass and Interment on Thursday (January 16). The Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Monsignor Peter O’Reilly PP Enniskillen, Fr Gabriel Kelly CC (Kinawley) and Fr John Halton PP (Pobal). All of Madeline’s 11 grandchildren took part in the Liturgy.

Madeline is survived by her husband Gerry, sons Conrad (Deirdre) Belfast, Gerry (Janet) Enniskillen, Martin (Debbie) Derrylin, David (Katherine) Kinawley and daughter Margaret (Paul) Mulnaskea, 11 grandchildren, her sister Gladys and brothers Conrad and Tony.

The funeral arrangements were by funeral directors, Enda Love and Sons, Enniskillen.