Obituary: Mrs. Elizabeth Bolton

Elizabeth (Liz), who passed away on August 20 last, was born on October 16, 1957, to Tom and Elsie Jones and was the second-eldest of five children.

She began her life in Mountcarmel, before she moved to Legacurry Road in 1961, where she grew up on the family farm.

Lilz is survived by her brothers, Austin, Herbie and Stephen, and sister, Ruby.

She attended Dervaghroy Primary School and Omagh High School, and after leaving school, Liz worked in Reform Stores Omagh, Nestles factory and the Western Education board kitchen, in Omagh.

Throughout these years, she gained many life-long friends and would always have great stories to tell.

Liz met her future husband, John, and they set up their home at Corkhill Road, Seskinore.

In 1995, they moved to their current home, Dunnamona Road, Omagh, where they spent many fond memories as a family.

Liz was blessed with two boys, Alan and Rodney, whom she adored dearly, and being a mother came naturally to her. She devoted her life to ensuring her boys were happy.

In May, 2008, Liz became a grandmother to her first grandchild, Ollie, and ‘Nana Liz’ and Ollie became inseparable.

They had a bond like no other; best friends, they were, and they spent most of the time on the road heading up to Granda Jones' farm, and on little day trips.

Ollie's fondest memory of Nana Liz was going over to Granda Jones', and attending Clogher Valley Show and Omagh Show.

Liz was very fortunate to have four more grandchildren: Layla, Myra, Harry and her most recent addition in June, Tommy.

To Liz, family was everything, and she was at her happiest when she was surrounded by her grandchildren.

Time was of no measure, and she loved nothing but cuddles, having sleepovers with her grandkids, and photographing her life's precious memories.

Liz gained two daughter-in-laws, Melissa and Lesley-Ann, who she thought of as her own. They had a great relationship, and Liz loved getting advice from the girls.

Melissa and Lesley-Ann gained great knowledge from Liz; she enjoyed gardening for them, and the girls took great wisdom from her.

To all, Liz was known as a people-person, who loved to chat and often, as she would say, cutting a long story short, which all knew never happened.

Her friends meant the world to her, and she never forgot a birthday or any special occasion. Liz enjoyed any excuse to put on her dancing shoes – as many will know, she always loved to jive, and you would always have found her up on the dance floor, and as soon as one song was done, she was on to the next with another partner in hand.

Elizabeth was also a keen gardener, with an abundance of flowers and foliage in every corner of the garden.

Her grandchildren have fond memories, spent at the beach in Portrush and Rossnowlagh with her, with well-organised picnics, especially the barbeque, and not forgetting how much she loved going abroad to Portugal with her husband, John.

Giving was Liz’s main trait; she was always putting others above herself. She dedicated a good part of her life to caring for her late parents, Tom and Elsie; even when she was in ill health herself, she put that aside to ensure her parents' needs were met, with all done in love and admiration.

She led a good, healthy life up until April, 2012, where she got the devastating news that she had cancer.

But Liz was determined not to let it get her down; she put up a good fight, and always had a positive attitude.

She loved life, and she got through every battle, through the love of her family and friends.

After her retirement, Liz never let her illness stop her from enjoying life. She spent a good part of her time with the grandchildren and offering her voluntary services within the church and local events.

She had involved herself in a local charity, Care for Cancer, and enjoyed availing of the day trips and services they offered.

Liz even put all her energy into organising a charity auction for her 60th birthday party at Fintona Golf Club in 2018. The money was donated to Care for Cancer.

Unfortunately, Liz was losing her battle in recent months. However, her husband, John, and family, were of great comfort and support, and Liz got her wish to spend her final days at home with the people she loved dearly.

Liz's family would like to give special thanks to the district nurses, palliative care team, Marie Curie nurses, Glen Caring carers and Care for Cancer for all the care and support they gave.

They also offer special thanks to Dr. Jellett and her team at the Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Fintona Surgery, Sandra Dowdell, and the team in Fintona pharmacy.

The family was immensely content that the Reverend Andy Heber was able to return from his new parish to conduct Liz’s funeral on August 22 at her late home.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, friends and family stood at various points along the route of Liz's funeral procession.

The family offer sincere gratitude to all who donated in lieu of flowers. The donations were given to Care for Cancer and Marie Curie.

Liz is survived by her husband, John; sons Alan and Rodney; daughter-in-laws Melissa and Lesley-Ann, and five grandchildren.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by J. H. Anderson & Sons.