The death has occurred of Mrs. Rosaleen Owens at her home in Sessiagh West Arney on Monday, August 31, 2015. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family, following an illness. She was a highly valued and respected member of her community and was loved by all who knew her.

Rosaleen was born on May 27, 1948. She was the sixth child of eight to John and Ellen Lavelle, Newtownbutler. She attended Newtownbutler Primary School and from there went on to Fermanagh College to do a secretarial course.

Her first job was in B.C. Stewarts in Enniskillen, working in the office. She then went on to work in S.T.C. Factory in Enniskillen, where she worked for eight years. She loved her work.

Rosaleen married T.P. on August 27, 1973 and from then on she devoted her life to her family.

A very difficult time in her life was in 1980, when their son Damian passed away shortly after birth, following a short illness. This was a time of great sadness for the family. He will never be forgotten.

Rosaleen’s caring role continued when she started working in the Lakeland Nursing Home in the early 1980s. She was greatly loved by the staff and residents alike, and really enjoyed going into work every day.

Rosaleen had a real passion for both sport and music. She taught her children how to play guitar and nurtured their talents. She passed on her passion to them. She accompanied them to various competitions and concerts throughout the country in their earlier years. She was extremely proud of her children. She directed the church choir for many years up until recently, when her health began to fade.

She got very excited watching football matches on T.V. often celebrating with great enthusiasm when her favourite team scored. She also played camogie for Newtownbutler in her youth and won numerous medals.

Rosaleen had a very strong religious faith and visited Lourdes on three occasions. She fell in love with the beautiful city. She was a member of the Legion of Mary organisation in her youth where she made some wonderful friends.

Rosaleen was a great community person. She was a lifelong pioneer and held a silver pin. She was on the board of governors of St. Mary’s Primary School, Mullymesker. She was a promoter for St. Joseph’s Young Priests’ Society. She was also a member of Cleenish Parish Development Renewal Committee.

She was a very talented cook, and received qualifications in cookery. She loved when visitors came to the house, where they would always be made most welcome and provided with tea and something nice to eat. She was a very hospitable and generous lady.

Rosaleen loved to garden and would make beautiful flower arrangements for the home. She was a wonderful homemaker and always took great pride in her home.

Rosaleen loved helping T.P. on the farm. She loved the animals and in particular the baby calves which she tended to on a regular basis.

Rosaleen loved giving to others and put everyone else before herself, in particular, she loved looking after her family. She was a great neighbour and a great friend to everyone she met. She will be sadly missed.

Rosaleen’s large funeral took place in St. Mary’s Church, Arney and was conducted by the Rev. Fr. John Finnegan P.P. He was assisted by the Rev. Fr. Brian D’Arcy and the Rev. Fr. Gabriel Kelly. The large removal service was conducted by the Rev. Fr. John Finnegan P.P.

Rosaleen’s children paid a fitting tribute to her during the funeral service by singing ‘Our Lady of Knock’, after the reflection, as she requested. The choir was conducted by family friend, Attracta Flanagan, and she was joined by members of the Arney, Mullaghdun and Belcoo choirs, who came together to pay tribute to Rosaleen.

The readings were read by Rosaleen’s nephews, Pat McGovern and Emmet Lavelle. The Responsorial Psalm was sung by Rosaleen’s daughter, Aveen Owens. The prayers of the faithful were read by Rosaleen’s children. The gifts were presented by Rosaleen’s grandchildren, sister and brother. The reflection was read by Rosaleen’s nephew, Michael Og Lavelle.

Rosaleen was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery and refreshments were served in the Millennium Hall, Arney by the staff of the Village Inn Bar and Restaurant and members of the community.

Rosaleen is survived by her husband T.P., her children, Geraldine (Joseph), Brenda (Patrick), Thomas (Una), Aveen and Daniel, and by her six grandchildren. Rosaleen is further survived by her brothers Patrick, Sean, Jimmy, Michael, and her sisters Kathleen, Carmel (Hughpatrick), and Eileen.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom McNulty and Peter Carty, undertakers. Donations were to Marie Curie Cancer Care.