TRIBUTES have been paid to a “real lady”, the late Heather Sloan, who was highly regarded for her caring and compassionate nature.

Mrs. Sloan, late of Tempo Road, Enniskillen, passed away peacefully at the South West Acute Hospital on December 21 last, at the age of 90.

Arranged by W.T. Morrison Funeral Directors, Mrs. Sloan's funeral took place on Christmas Eve, and the service was led by Rev. David Cupples at Enniskillen Presbyterian Church, the church she had attended and was involved in for much of her life.

During the service, Rev. Cupples paid tribute to Mrs. Sloan, who was regarded by many as a "real lady".

Born on January 14, 1930 in Ballintra, near Ballyshannon in Co. Donegal, Mrs. Sloan was the second child of William and Nora Ramage, and had two siblings, Alan and Barbara.

In 1950, Mrs. Sloan met the love of her life, Cecil Sloan, when he came to her home in Donegal to teach her how to gain control of her horse.

The couple married and took up residence at Hunters Moon, Enniskillen. They had two children, Malcolm and Sandie. Mrs. Sloan was a very committed mother, and followed her children's sporting activities in person, providing great support and encouragement.

"Heather was a full-time wife, mother and homemaker, and she forged a special bond with her father-in-law, John J. Sloan, whom she got to know very well and cared for diligently in his later years," said Rev. Cupples.

He noted that Mrs. Sloan also played a role in the life of the family business, Sloan's Shoe shop, where she "got on very well with all the staff".

"She was an extremely sociable person and made many friends also in her social life through golfing and bridge, which she played to a very high level," said Rev. Cupples, adding that Mrs. Sloan maintained her friendships diligently throughout her life.

Mrs. Sloan was a long-time member of the local branch of the NSPCC.

"This concern for the welfare of children extended beyond the local community through her sponsorship of children in the developing world through the organisation," said Rev. Cupples, speaking of Mrs. Sloan's compassionate nature.

Diana Armstrong, Chair of the Enniskillen Fundraising Committee for the NSPCC, said: “Everyone at NSPCC Northern Ireland is deeply saddened by the news that Mrs. Heather Sloan passed away recently, aged 90.

"Mrs. Sloan was a long-term and much valued member of our Enniskillen Fundraising Committee, and was a passionate supporter of the NSPCC’s work.

"She will be so very sadly missed by her family, many friends and all who worked with her at the NSPCC.”

Mrs. Sloan's commitment to caring, which first showed in her care for her father-in-law, came to the fore again in later years when she focussed much of her care and attention on her two grandchildren, Tara and Richard, after the tragic and untimely death of her daughter Sandie in 1991.

"This heartbreaking loss was to cast a deep shadow over the rest of Heather's life," said Rev. Cupples.

She was also called to a caring role with her husband, Cecil, when he lost his sight for the last few years of his life before his passing in 1997.

As was her sociable nature, Mrs. Sloan liked meeting people. "She could hold her own in any company, and she made a great point of welcoming visitors to the church," said Rev. Cupples.

Beloved wife of the late Cecil Sloan, dearly loved mother of Malcolm (Mary), and the late Sandie (John), devoted grandmother of Richard and Tara, dear sister of Barbara and the late Alan, Mrs. Sloan is lovingly remembered by her family and friends.