Joan Dickson, Donegall House, Springfield, passed away peacefully, with her family around her, at her home on June 24, 2014. She bore her illness with faith, strength and dignity, which helped those around her greatly.

Born on March 26, 1934, also in Donegall House, she was the younger daughter of Edgar and Marion Dickson. Her father died in 1936 so Joan and her older sister, Dorothy, were raised by their mother on the family farm, where she was brought up with a deep sense of faith, close connections with the Methodist Church and qualities such as the value of hard work, of integrity and honesty, which stayed with her as long as she lived.

Early on, Joan proved to be an exceptional musician, taught by Miss Lunny, also playing confidently by ear both the violin and piano. Throughout her life, her love of music contributed to many occasions in the community as she often played the organ in Springfield and indeed was part of a monthly rota to 2014. She also played in Devenish Parish Church, accompanied others in meetings and concerts and was regularly called on to help train choirs leading up to Children’s Services and Harvest Thanksgivings.

She attended Moyglass Primary School and later, with her sister, went to Enniskillen Collegiate School. On leaving, she taught music locally.

She married William Dickson in January 1954. As a young married couple they lived in Tullycreevy, Monea, before deciding to move back to Springfield.

This partnership between Joan and Willie was a close marriage which lasted for 60 years. They were a good team, complementing each other’s strengths and Marion, John, Malcolm, Alison and Joanne were brought up in a busy, loving home.

She and Willie were active members of Devenish Parish Church and she regularly attended Springfield Methodist Church.

Joan was, in an understated and very practical way, a great organiser. She was a good homemaker and everything seemed to just happen without a fuss showing underlying careful planning, preparation and hard work. She also had time and energy to support Willie on the farm and in his many commitments in the community including his involvement with the UDR and West Ulster Farmers’ Co-operative.

Joan had a great love of gardening. She was generous to others around her with her plants and horticultural advice, planning and preparing throughout the year to produce stunning colour. Only a few weeks ago she was directing planting, slug prevention, and for the gardeners reading – the Chelsea Chop.

Apart from her musical contributions to various organisations she loved the fellowship she had from being a member of the Mothers’ Union, the Methodist Women’s Association (where she served as Vice-President) and the Women’s Institute, of which she was President twice, the second time being this past year. She readily worked as a volunteer in the Action Cancer shop and for many years collected donations for the Poppy Appeal in the Springfield area.

She encouraged the family to do well and as they scattered to work in different countries and other parts of the UK, she followed with interest their travels and encouraged them in their work and adventures.

Joan was a devoted grandmother and was never happier than when her children and grandchildren were around her, passing on her love of nature and music to all of them.

After a short family service in the garden at Donegall House, on June 20, her funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Sampson Ajuka in Devenish Parish Church. Tributes were paid on behalf of the family by her son Malcolm, and by Gareth Hayden on behalf of the Methodist Church. Readings were by her son John, Gareth Hayden and Vivienne Ferguson (representing the Mothers’ Union). All readings and hymns had been chosen by Joan. She is interred in Devenish Parish churchyard.

Joan is survived by her sorrowing husband Willie, her children Marion, John, Malcolm, Alison and Joanne, sons and daughters-in-law John, Rosalind, Cathryn, Adam and Alex and her beloved grandchildren Iain, Clare, Paul, Becky, Alice, Fiona and Caroline. She is also survived by her dear sister Dorothy. She will be missed by her many relatives and friends.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Austen Stinson of W.T. Morrison, Darling Street, Enniskillen.