The death occurred recently of Mrs. Olive Johnston, a Fermanagh centenarian, who remained a very active member of the community until a short time before her passing.

A few months short of her 102nd birthday, Olive had been in good health up until June 16 this year when she was admitted to hospital after a fall; unfortunately her health failed and after a very short illness she passed away on July 16, 2014.

Born on October 27, 1912, Olive was the eldest of five children to William and Sarah Breen, at Drumbo, Irvinestown and she had been the last surviving member of her family.

In 1929, Olive went into service working in the Antrim Road area of Belfast. In 1953, she joined Northern Ireland Railways where she remained until 1976. During her time in Belfast, she met James Johnston and they married on March 25, 1931. They had one son Eric who was born in 1933; he emigrated to Canada with his wife Kay and children in 1969. Olive and James had a happy marriage of 45 years until his death in 1976, after which Olive returned to her native county.

An active member of the Fermanagh community, she took part in many activities through Magheracross Parish Church, where she was a regular attender. She was a member of the Mothers’ Union and a founder member of the Friday Club senior citizens’ club.

She was proud to be a life-time member of the Orange Order and still continued to attend the monthly lodge meetings. She enjoyed the company of others and was a member of the Trendsetters’ Club at the Bawnacre Centre in Irvinestown.

Even though Olive had reached the grand age of 101, she was a very bright lady who took an active interest in all her friends and relatives and she been a very active figure.

Her funeral service at Magheracross Parish Church, Ballinamallard was led by Valerie McMorris and the address was given by the Rev. Brian Harper. Burial was at Craghan Cemetery.

Olive is survived by four grandchildren, Jim, Colin, Linda and Karen and six great grandchildren all in Canada. She was predeceased by her husband James, son Eric, daughter-in-law Kay, her brothers Billy and Bobby Breen, her sisters Violet Fallis, Ballinamallard, and Isobel Nixon, Canada.

The funeral arrangements were by Funeral Directors, S.R. Elliott and Sons, Darling Street, Enniskillen.