A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Maud Eva Noble passed away unexpectedly at South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen, on Thursday, September 11, 2014.

Maud was born on May 6, 1955, one of a family of four of the late Wesley and May Nixon. Her sisters, Dorothy and Margaret, and brother Ernest survive her. She grew up in Derrychara as a lively, outgoing, energetic youngster - interested in everything and everybody. She made friends easily and was devoted to her family.

She was a pupil of the Model Primary School, Enniskillen, and later at Enniskillen High School.

In her early teens, the family moved to Portadown where Maud’s father, Wesley, managed Portadown Golf Club for two years, before returning to Loane Drive in Enniskillen to take up employment as a Customs and Excise Officer. In fact, it was then Maud first met Cecil, her future husband.

Cecil and Maud married in October 1972, 42 years ago. They set up home in Crichton Park, Tamlaght, and moved to Cherry Walk in Chanterhill before moving to their present home at Leenagrenagh, 27 years ago. Steven was born in December 1973, followed by Joanne in September 1975.

As mother, wife and home maker Maud lavished her family with all the love, care and affection imaginable. Family was always her number one priority, and she was never happier when they were all together, whether at home or on holiday. And there was no prouder young grandmother when Steven and Jackie provided her with grandchildren Kayla and Callum; and then, just six months ago Maud and Cecil travelled to York for the birth of their third grandchild, Joanne and Paul’s little Wesley. In fact, she was due to visit them again in York this week.

Having worked at Kent Plastics in Enniskillen for a couple of years, Maud returned to Fermanagh College and completed her National Vocational Qualifications in Health and Social Care, before taking up employment at the Killadeas Centre, working with, and caring for, young people and adults with disabilities. She loved the work and those she cared for; her cheerful, purposeful, positive approach brightened up many mornings and afternoons for all those who valued her help and support. And how she and those she cared for greatly enjoyed the annual residential trips organised to Lisdoonvarna in County Clare, when they delighted in the fun, the laughter, the craic and the music.

And when she moved to co-manage the workshop in the old telephone exchange, she gained her licence to drive the bus. Maud had to give up work unfortunately due to back injury and became a lady of leisure. This was short lived when her first granddaughter arrived nine years ago.

As well as her love of family and her commitment to work, her passion - and it really was a passion - was her beloved Manchester United. She was a life long supporter, through thick and thin, good times and not so good. She and Cecil went to Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams, on many occasions to lend support to her favourite Red Devils. For her 50th birthday, her family’s gift was a ticket to the FA Cup final in Cardiff. United lost to Arsenal after extra time and penalties. Maud was not impressed, but left in the full confidence that “we’ll do it next time’ - and, of course, they did!

One of Maud’s fondest memories was the day she met Sir Alex Ferguson in Enniskillen in 2004. A photograph of Maud and Sir Alex in the then Ashberry Hotel, along with some of those she cared for at Killadeas, sits proudly in the living room at Leenagrenagh. Another passion of Maud’s were all the caravan holidays every year that she and Cecil enjoyed so much. They took them all over Ireland, England and Scotland, starting at Easter, often finishing in October. That was the sense of fun and adventure that Maud greatly enjoyed.

And then there was Westlife - more like an obsession shared with her daughter Joanne. Both would set off, mother and daughter - teenagers again - to countless concerts over many years in Sunderland, Sheffield, Newcastle, Belfast and Dublin.

The funeral service was held at St. Macartin’s Cathedral, conducted by the Rev. Rob Clements. The hymms were ‘What A Friend We Have in Jesus’ and ‘Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory’. A private cremation was held at Roselawn Cemetery.

Maud is survived by her husband, Cecil; son Steven and daughter-in-law Jackie, granddaughter Kayla and grandson, Callum; daughter, Joanne, partner Paul and grandson, Wesley (York); sisters Dorothy and Margaret; brother Ernest; and the wider family circle.

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