Mary Ann Deane, affectionately known as Maisie, passed away unexpectedly at South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen, on Saturday, August 16, aged 90 years.

Late of 2 Drumkeen, Enniskillen Road, Ballinamallard, she was the wife of the late Noble Deane; they had one son Robert, who survives them.

Formerly Aiken, Maisie was born and raised in Ballinamallard, a daughter of the late Rebecca and Robert Aiken; she was second in a family of eight children and even in her childhood, she would have taken responsibility around the home, helping her parents at Craghan.

Serving others featured prominently in Maisie’s life. Having attained her education locally, she left school at the age of 14 and served as a housemaid to Mr. and Mrs. Parker in Trillick. Subsequent employment was with Dr. and Mrs. Warnock, with whom she spent six years. Spreading her wings a little, she moved to Belfast, again in service, this time to Mr. and Mrs. Wright.

However, again with the obligation of duty and service, she put her own ambitions on hold and returned to Ballinamallard to look after her mother. After a considerable time, she went back into service, still staying close to home and worked for the Rev. and Mrs. Kingston at the rectory. She met Noble Deane in 1955 and married in 1960. The couple had one son, Robert and she concentrated on raising him. In 1966, they moved to Glengormley, only returning to Ballinamallard in 1986. She was widowed a few years later in 1992 and was also predeceased by her brothers Fred and Billy and sister Mabel.

Home and family were major interests for Maisie, whose Christian faith was important to her. She acknowledged her service to her Lord humbly and in worship, especially in her latter years through prayer and communion at home.

Maisie, an outgoing figure, enjoyed a wide circle of friends. She liked getting out and about and meeting family. Dancing, music and conversation were among her interests.

Her funeral service at Magheracross Parish Church, Ballinamallard, was conducted by the Rev. Brian Harper, who delivered the funeral tribute on the theme of service. That’s the life Maisie led - serving others, he said. In her later years, he said that she received back some of the service which she gave, through her carers and family and Robert her brother who lived with her in Drumkeen. Maisie knew what it meant to serve, but she also knew what it meant to be served, he said.

Burial took place at Craghan Graveyard.

Maisie is survived by her son, Robert; her sister Patsy Balfour, Ballinamallard; her sister Maud Kane, Belfast; her brother Robert Aiken, Ballinamallard; and her brother Henry Aiken, Dollingstown. Nieces, nephews, the wider family circle and her friends also survive Maisie.

She was predeceased by her husband Noble William Deane in 1992; by her brother Fred who died in 1979; and by her brother Billy Aiken, who died in 1996. A sister Mabel also predeceased her.

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