A much loved, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mrs. Irene McWilliams, late of Hollybrooke, Lisnaskea, passed away peacefully at the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen, on February 2, 2014.

Irene was born on February 12, 1932 on Blanish Island, Newtownbutler; she was one of a large family to William Edward and Sarah Jane Neill. Irene attended Tiraffey School and after leaving school she worked as a housekeeper with Mrs. Chartres, Aghnaloo, Lisbellaw. In later years she worked as a caretaker at Tiraffey School, Adria Factory, Lisnaskea and had long service as a home help until her retirement. Irene married Christie McWilliams in November 1950 and they made their home at Bonahesco, Lisbellaw, before moving to Killalahard, Newtownbutler and then Hollybrooke, Lisnaskea, where they enjoyed living together until Christie passed away in August 2011. During her marriage to Christie they had nine children. Irene was a devoted wife and mother to her nine children, 25 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and gave them all much love and encouragement throughout her life.

She was a faithful, life-long member of Sallaghy Parish Church and a member of Sallaghy Mothers’ Union and Bowling Club. She was also in the Women’s Loyal Orange Lodge, Lisnaskea and Maguiresbridge.

Irene loved to spend time in the garden growing vegetables and planting flowers and enjoyed looking after the pet donkeys and dogs. She also helped Christie through the years producing honey from their bees. Irene loved to play bowls and was keen to participate in bowling tournaments throughout the local counties down through the years; she also played at Castle Park Centre, Lisnaskea, on a Monday afternoon where she met and made great friends. Irene always had time to visit her many friends and took time to visit people in the nursing homes and local hospital. The Service of Thanksgiving was conducted by the Rev. Anita Kerr. Readings were read by Albert McWilliams (son), Kyle Armstrong (grandson) and Jill McWilliams (grand-daughter). In her address, Rev. Kerr described Irene as just a ‘brilliant mother’ who will be sadly missed by all the family.

Irene is survived by her children Myrtle, David, William, Ann, Albert, Margaret, Reggie, Brian and Doreen, her sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, 25 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. She also leaves two brothers John and Cecil and sisters Margaret and Annie. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Ronald Moffatt (T. Moffatt & Son), Lisnaskea. Donations in lieu of flowers were given to The Stroke Unit, SWAH and Sallaghy Parish Church Funds, c/o T. Moffatt & Son, Funeral Directors.