The daughter of Lilias Pinkney, who passed away on July 2, said her mother always had a smile on her face and will be missed by all those who were close to her.

Lilias, a well known face around Enniskillen Castle, the Townhall and Enniskillen, was laid to rest on Saturday, July 5 following her funeral service at St. MacCartan’s Cathedral.

A guard of honour was held by Council staff at Enniskillen Castle as they paid their respects to their much loved colleague and friend.

Her daughter, Tina Robertson recalled how popular her mother was and how she loved her job in the Council which she started after she moved back to Enniskillen from York in 2000 with her husband, David.

“Mum loved her job and meeting new people. She made many, many friends at the castle and loved the work nights out especially the Christmas parties, she was always ready to party.

“Mum loved walking everywhere. She would walk through the town, in the shopping centre on her way to work, if you stopped to ask if she wanted a lift she would always say no. She would meet many people and stop to chat to them. She always had a smile on her face.”

At home, Tina said her mother loved her garden where she was helped by her grandchildren, watching the soaps and darts.

Tina, who moved to Enniskillen in 2011with her family said her children loved calling down to “nan and grandad’s” house.

“Oliver and Chelsea would always help with her many ornaments.

“The kids will miss walking past the house and seeing nana sat at the kitchen table waving at them. She would always pop out and give them a few pounds to spend at the shop.”

Lilias’ granddaughter Libby and grandson Dominic were unable to attend the funeral but a message Libby had written was read out at the funeral.

“My nana was such a wonderful women. She was always there no matter what. She would put everyone before herself, she cared for everyone, she always had a soft heart. I have many wonderful memories with nana but the best memory was my birthday and nana took me shopping. She bought me many presents and the best present of all time was getting to spend the day together.

“We did have a few arguments but they taught me a lesson never to get on nana’s bad side.

“No matter where you are I will always love you forever and ever. You will have that special place in my heart. I’m sorry I couldn’t say goodbye but what nana would want is for me to stay in America and enjoy my time. You are in heaven and God is always with the family. Your dear granddaughter Libby. Love you lots, miss you very much.”

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council also paid tribute to their former colleague, remembering her as a colleague who was always willing to help out, wherever needed.

Reflecting on her time at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Sarah McHugh, Museum Services Manager said in a statement: “Lilias was a key member of our team and contributed greatly to the smooth-running of daily life at the Museum, Visitor Information Centre and the Castle. Lilias always offered to help at special events and really enjoyed participating in social activities, becoming a highly valued friend to fellow colleagues. On behalf of management and all the Council staff, I wish to express our deepest sympathies to her family and friends.”