A highly regarded member of the teaching profession in Fermanagh, Mrs. Dorinda Rosemary Brown - a diligent fundraiser on behalf of Cancer Research NI - has died.

A much-loved wife and mother, her peaceful passing, after an illness, took place in the Erne Hospital, Enniskillen, last Wednesday, August 25, two days after her 53rd birthday.

Late of La Loubine Lodge, Beagho, Lisbellaw, Dorinda was formerly Brady, of Florencecourt, a daughter of John Brady and the late Agnes Brady, a schoolteacher in the county, who passed away in December. The eldest in a family of four, she leaves her brother Nigel and sisters, Trudi and Rachel.

A former pupil of the Collegiate Grammar School, Dorinda completed her teaching training at university in Coleraine, and taught English in a number of local schools and also at Fermanagh College. Her last teaching position was at Lisnaskea High - a rural school she was very supportive of.

During her career, she also worked in nursery education and served in an advisory capacity for a number of organisations.

Home and family were very important to Dorinda, who married Robert Brown and they had a family of three: Tamsin, Jason and Nathan.

Among her interests were UNICEF and Fermanagh Women’s Network and she served as a committee member with both bodies.

A long held interest had been horse-riding and Dorinda enjoyed volunteering for Fermanagh branch of Riding for the Disabled. She also sponsored a child from El Salvador through Plan International.

Two years ago, Dorinda suffered from an illness and on her return to good health she organised fundraising initiatives on behalf of Cancer Research NI. Last summer, she organised a hugely successful Pink Rose Ball (pink roses being her favourite flower) at Crom Estate’s West Wing, Newtownbutler, and raised £2,960 for her chosen charity. Cancer Research NI also benefited from the proceeds of a Pampered Chef evening held at her home.

In March this year, Dorinda became unwell again and following several months of declining health, she passed away last Wednesday.

Her widely attended funeral service at Lisbellaw Parish Church last Friday afternoon, was led by the rector, the Rev. Bryan Kerr, assisted by Canon John Stewart (Derryvullen Parish Church).

The hymns chosen by Dorinda were: ‘Shall we gather at the River’ and ‘Father I place into Your Hands’. Donations in lieu of flowers are to Cancer Research NI, c/o funeral directors, W.T. Morrison, Darling Street, Enniskillen. The family are very appreciative of all the support received at this time and also throughout Dorinda’s illness.