The recent death of Samantha McKenzie at her home in Chanterhill, caused widespread sorrow among her friends and family. A loving daughter and friend, Sammy passed away peacefully after a long illness on Thursday, February 6, 2014, aged 28.

Sammy endured a long and debilitating battle with cancer. Since first diagnosis, she suffered many setbacks, however she met each obstacle with supreme courage, strength and determination. She never gave up and always believed in the brilliant care of the doctors and nurses, and most of all the complete and loving support of her dad and close family.

Sammy (as she was always known) was born on January 2, 1986 in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. She was the only child of Derek McKenzie from Enniskillen. She attended the Model Primary School and Erne Integrated College. She was a friendly, often strong minded, happy-go-lucky girl who made a lot of friends along the way.

She had a great love of life, spending many happy weekends with her late Granny McKenzie and Granny Strachan in Ballinamallard.

It was this bubbly personality that helped her to deal with traumas in later life.

After leaving school she started a course on the medical ward in the Erne Hospital. She gained her NVQ Level 2 in Care of the Elderly, an achievement she was very proud of. Unfortunately jobs were not forthcoming at that time and Sammy had to look further afield. She secured employment as a junior housekeeper in the Killyhevlin Hotel, and was just beginning to settle in when she received the devastating news that she had developed cancer.

Following surgery and 15 months of gruelling treatment, Sammy received the best news possible, her cancer was in remission. She immediately set about looking for other employment and started work in KFC where she remained for over two years.

Sammy enjoyed many happy holidays with her dad in Galway. She also visited her Aunt Laura in Cornwall and after her Granny Strachan moved to Aberdeen she enjoyed spending time there as well. During her remission her dad and her went on a four day trip to Euro Disney which she absolutely loved.

Sadly, after three years the cancer returned, with more chemo and surgery to follow. However after some time she was allowed to have her treatment at home and this greatly renewed her courage and determination. It allowed her better control of her life, something she often felt she had lost when she was constantly in hospital.

During this time she secured a voluntary position with Enniskillen Nursery School. This was her dream job as she adored working with the young children. The children became her extended family and she constantly spoke of them. She continued to work there between treatments until a short time before she passed away.

During Sammy’s visits to the various hospitals, she made many friends both in the nursing fraternity and in visiting patients and indeed ex-patients. She remembered every nurse’s name, whether or not they had children and what ages they were. When a nurse or doctor went on maternity leave, she was sure to get a ‘Good Luck’ card, and when the baby arrived, a congratulations card and a present always followed. Christmas was celebrated in the same way with cards and presents being handed out. This applied to all members of the family especially her dad - he fondly relates that it often took him two/three days to open all the small gifts she bought him. He always reciprocated with equal amounts.

Sammy had a great fondness for all animals and dearly loved her two cats and dog; indeed they always received cards and presents at special times and believe it or not they often ‘bought’ presents and cards for their owners. She always had special time for her young cousins and loved spending time with them, her close friend Helen and her dad’s Godson Jake.

Sammy was cremated at Roselawn Crematorium in Belfast on Monday, February 10, 2014, following a church service the previous day in Magheracross Parish Church, Ballinamallard.

The chosen hymns were “Safe in the arms of Jesus,” “One more step along the road we go” and “How Great Thou Art.” A poem was read by her aunt Laura and her friend Helen read the lesson. Her dad paid a very moving tribute to his daughter’s memory or ‘Shorty’ as he always called her. To honour Sammy’s love of bright and cheerful colours the family elected to each wear an item of colourful clothing to each service. The Rev. Brian Harpur and the Rev. Charlie Eames conducted the service.

Sammy is survived by her dad, her Granny Strachan and aunts, uncle and cousins.

Sammy did not have a long life, but what she did have was a memorable one, she packed every minute of fun and happiness into her 28 years. She was a brave and courageous young lady who will always be loved and missed.

The funeral arrangements were by Austen Stinson, W. T. Morrison, Enniskillen.