Mrs Gina Simpson
Editorial Department • Published 12 Jan 2012 13:00
Mrs. Elizabeth Anne Regina Simpson, best known as Gina, passed away in the City Hospital, Belfast on Thursday, November 10 2011, causing tremendous shock and sadness for her family and friends.
Gina was born on March 28, 1937 at the family home at 14 Church Street, Enniskillen. She was the youngest child of a family of three of Thomas (Tommy) and Margaret Henderson.
She was educated at the Model Primary School. She sat the first year of the 11-plus examination and because of her young age could have sat the examination again the next year. However, she passed it first time. She then attended the Girls Collegiate School in Enniskillen. She was later the youngest student to enter Stranmillis Training College. She studied there for three years and decided to stay a fourth year to specialise in English Literature and Drama. Later that year she qualified with Outstanding Merit. In September she started her teaching career in Ashfield Girls High School, Holywood Road, Belfast, and she was very happy there for five years.
During a school break in 1961, Gina met her future husband Billy Simpson, from Newcastle, Co. Down at a dance in the Townhall, Enniskillen. He taught Physical Education at Enniskillen High School.
They were married on August 7, 1963 in St. Bartholomew Parish Church, Stranmillis Road, Belfast.
Gina returned to Fermanagh, teaching initially in Lisnaskea High School and then she moved to Enniskillen High School, where she became Head of the English department.
Gina and Billy were a very devoted couple. They both loved similar things and some of these were travelling, swimming and going to the theatre.
They spoke a number of languages and made many friends in different countries. They loved Italy and Gina spoke Italian fluently.
On May 2, 2011 Gina had major surgery at Belfast City Hospital. She went to her sister Margaret's home to recuperate and she made steady progress. She visited her husband every day in the nursing home and hoped to resume swimming after Christmas.
She returned to the City Hospital on Tuesday, November 8 and passed away very suddenly on Thursday, November 10.
The funeral service, conducted by Dean Kenneth Hall, took place on Monday, November 14, 2011 in St. Macartin's Cathedral. Her cousin Etta Clarke read the Old Testament reading. Her cousin Patricia's husband, the Very Rev. John Hay, Dean of Raphoe, delivered the New Testament reading.
Psalm 23 "The Lord is my Shepherd" was sung and the hymns were "O Lord My God! When I in Awesome Wonder" and "The Day Thou Gavest Lord has Ended".
"The Mountains of Mourne" was played softly as the congregation was leaving the Cathedral.
Interment took place at Breandrum Cemetery.
Gina is survived by her husband Billy and her sister Margaret. She is predeceased by her brother George in 1991, her mother in 1987 and her father in 1968.
The funeral arrangements were carried out in a most dignified and caring manner by S.R. Elliott and Sons, Darling Street, Enniskillen. Donations in lieu of flowers are being made to the Ulster Cancer Foundation c/o S.R. Elliott and Sons.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 12 Jan 12
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