A widely respected pharmacist in Fermanagh, who had been dedicated to her career and served for over 60 years prior to retirement, Mrs. Laura Joan Hughes, has died.

A true Enniskillener, who was proud to have been ‘born between the bridges’, the much loved mother and grandmother, who was the last surviving member of the well-known Headon family, passed away peacefully at her home, Prospect House, Chanterhill Road, Enniskillen, last Wednesday, September 2, aged 90 years. Her funeral was held on Saturday at St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen.

Her father, Michael Headon, from Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow, a former Head Constable with the RIC came to Letterbreen as sergeant in charge and he met and married the former Susan Farmer. The youngest in a family of five, Mrs. Hughes’ late sisters and brother were Mary Teresa (Cassidy), Ita (Kane), Sheelah (Callaghan) and Tom, who died at the age of 13.

Mrs. Hughes was educated at Abbey Street School, Enniskillen, before progressing to Mount Lourdes, where the talented pupil was an accomplished actress. She had a lovely singing voice and was often remembered as ‘the star of the show.’ She served her time in pharmacy for four years at the former Maxwell’s Chemist in Belmore Street, Enniskillen, and she qualified in Belfast, where in 1948 she achieved her final examination of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.

She married Denis Oliver Hughes, a Lurgan man, who served in the RUC and had been stationed at Belcoo for a time.

They married in 1952 at St. Michael’s Church in Enniskillen and they had a family of six: Mary, Elizabeth, Paul, John, Ita, and the late Laura (who passed away in June 2002).

Mrs. Hughes opened her pharmacy business in August 1955 at 44 Belmore Street, Enniskillen, and she worked full-time until she was 85. Her two sons, Paul and John followed her into pharmacy.

She was passionate about her pharmacy work and it was described as her life; she loved her customers and they were all like her extended family.

Working in the heart of the community, she was very community focused. She had great humility for people and she was always on call.

Her husband Denis died suddenly on May 14, 1975, at the age of 53, leaving Mrs. Hughes as a young widow with her eldest child at college, five children all at home, and a business to run.

She had a deep love of Enniskillen and its people and she was very proud to be a ‘townie’ and born between the bridges.

She is fondly remembered as having been a vibrant, vivacious, gregarious, and witty woman. Very much a people person, she had a lot of time for people and loved talking to them. A great raconteur, she had a warm sense of fun and humour.

Her interests included golf, which she continued to play until she was in her eighties. She was a member of Enniskillen Golf Club, where she had also enjoyed playing bridge. She was also a Country Member of Bundoran Golf Club.

She loved tennis and followed it avidly on television.

Mrs. Hughes was very devoted to her faith, and she was totally committed to the Parish of Enniskillen and St. Michael’s Church.

Her funeral, a Concelebrated Mass, held at St. Michael’s Church, last Saturday, September 5, was led by the Rev. Fr. David Donnelly. The Rev. Fr. Brian D’Arcy assisted.

The soloist was Susannah Hughes-Jordan, Mrs. Hughes’ granddaughter, who sang a selection of her grandmother’s favourite hymns.

Mrs. Hughes left St. Michael’s Church for the last time to the poignant strains of ‘Fare Thee Well Enniskillen’.

Susannah was accompanied by Mrs. Helen Hamill.

The prayers of the faithful were led by grandchildren Denis Greene, Abigail Greene, Headon Hughes-Jordan, Tom Hughes-Jordan and Oliver Hughes-Jordan, and readings were delivered by Mrs. Hughes’ son John Hughes and daughter Ita Hughes-Jordan. Burial was at Breandrum Cemetery, where she was laid to rest with her husband Denis and youngest daughter Laura.

Having been predeceased by her three sisters, Mrs. Mary Teresa Cassidy, Mrs. Ita Kane, and Mrs. Sheelah Callaghan, Mrs. Hughes’ death last week marked the end of an era for the Headon sisters. Mrs. Hughes is survived by her sons and daughters: Mary, Elizabeth, Paul, John, and Ita, having been predeceased by Laura.

She leaves 10 grandchildren, Susannah Hughes-Jordan, Headon Hughes-Jordan, Tom Hughes-Jordan, Oliver Hughes-Jordan, Denis Greene, Abigail Greene, Maria Hughes, twins Callistus and Caleb Hughes, and Laura Hughes.

Also surviving Mrs. Hughes are nieces, nephews, the wider family circle and her many friends.

The funeral arrangements were by Funeral Director, John McKeegan, Enniskillen, who is gratefully acknowledged by the Hughes family.