Tributes have been paid to the much loved and well respected community activist Patricia Donald, who passed away last Thursday at the South West Acute Hospital.

The effect she had on so many peoples lives was seen in the heartfelt messages about the 81 year old.

Awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List for service to Older People, Patricia spent a lifetime dedicated to helping others, first as a nurse and since her retirement as an advocate for the elderly.

Born in Dublin and raised in Cork Patricia worked in nursing across the western area and settled in Enniskillen.

Reverend Lorna Dreaning who led the Thanksgiving Service for Patricia at the Methodist Church in Enniskillen described her as a "strong advocate for the Methodist Church and older people".

Patricia was heavily involved with the Methodist Church holding positions as society steward and circuit steward as well as being on the Church Council alongside all the work she did for the elderly with the South West Age Partnership (SWAP).

"She will be missed. For us it is the end of an era here in the Darling Street, Methodist Church," said Reverend Dreaning.

"She was a strong voice with a love for God and she was really involved in the Church."

As well as being an advocate for older people, Reverend Dreaning said Patricia enjoyed working with the young people in the Methodist congregation as well.

Patricia was described as "pilgrim of God" during the Thanksgiving Service who set out on a journey with God and was determined to finish it the best way she could.

"She was very generous and the first one to help you out and help a range of people in any she could because she felt blessed in her own life.

"Anywhere a voice was needed to be heard she would be that strong voice."

Allison Forbes, Project Manager at the South West Age Partnership (SWAP), where Patricia was chairperson for almost 10 years also paid tribute to the tireless work she carried out across Fermanagh and Tyrone.

"We are where we are now because of Patricia, who made us a voice for older people across Fermanagh and Omagh. Patricia worked tirelessly, always eager to listen to people’s stories and keen to make others hear them too.

"Her commitment to older people was huge, she represented SWAP on so many committees and attended meetings on a regular basis, even the early morning meetings in Belfast up until a few months ago.

"Her enthusiasm and love for life was infectious, when Patricia spoke people listened.

"Recently we launched the Age Friendly Strategy for Fermanagh and Omagh in partnership with the Council, Patricia was a huge part of this process and we take heart from the fact she was here to see that.

"It was such a big part of our world over the last couple of years. Patricia’s vibrant personality is across so much of what we do, it is hard to imagine her not being at the end of the phone or email.

"She will be so missed by all in SWAP and indeed across the wider Age Sector, it is very hard today to think about developing programmes, running meetings, running campaigns and organising events without her but she insisted that we go forward.

"Her legacy is here though within our ongoing work and we will strive to continue to nurture that."

Patricia is mourned by niece Rosalynd and nephew Jonathan and her wider family circle.

A cremation service took place in Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan, on Saturday, June 15 followed by a Service of Thanksgiving in the Methodist Church, Enniskillen