The heartbroken family of the late Anona Fivey (66) has paid tribute to the popular Nanny who died suddenly earlier this month.

Anona died on November 5 after taking ill suddenly at home. Her family wishes to express their thanks to cardiac and ambulance staff alongside staff at South West Acute Hospital for their care of Anona.

Leading tributes to Anona on behalf of the family was Anona’s daughter Alison, who said: “She brought out the best in people. She had a gentle, quiet unassuming personality.

“She was always freely giving of her advice and knowledge and was never judgemental, always ready to help. She had everyone’s welfare at heart.”

Alison added: “Mum was born on March 18, 1955 in the family home in Windmill Road to Reah and William Boylan. She was the eldest of five siblings, Sylvia, Ken, Daphne and Albert.”

Anona’s father Billy worked as a joiner until an accident left him in wheelchair, he then worked as a watch maker from the family home, sadly he passed away when Anona was 10 years old.

Speaking of Anona’s family life, Alison said: “Mum and Dad (Gerry) met at a dance in the Manor House, she wasn’t easily swayed, and he asked her on a date five times before she fell for his charms.”

The pair married in 1973 and welcomed five children into their family; Wayne, Keith, Brian, Alison and Lauren. Anona adored all her children with all of her heart.

Alison added: “Our wellbeing and happiness was always her greatest priority. The house was a happy home filled with love and affection, mum ensured it was.”

Sadly, Anona’s mother passed away in 1973. At 18 years old, she then decided to raise her own family alongside her younger siblings at Windmill Road.

Alison added: “Mum’s personal life was completely centred around her own family. She was blessed with ten grandchildren; Ricky, Sophie, Kian, Holly, Ria, Carmen, Lyla-Rose, Olivia, Thomas and Alfie whom she loved so dearly.

“When she was wasn’t working, she would never be idle, she would be helping her family, babysitting, shopping and making sure everyone was sorted out. She put everyone before herself.”

Anona received her education at Enniskillen Model School and Enniskillen Collegiate Grammar School. Following her schooling she worked in the offices of Carson's quarry, as a dental assistant in MacManus Dental Practice and later as a receptionist at Lochside garage. She also insisted on caring for her nieces and nephews as their childminder, "treating them as if they were her own,"added Alison.

Anona was highly regarded for her expertise in gardening and her loss will be felt across the gardening community in Fermanagh.

Alison who worked alongside her mother at Ashwood Garden Centre said: “In her forties she had a little more time on her hands and developed an interest in gardening. Her front lawn was filled with plants and shrubs of every description, and she acquired a greenhouse. She enjoyed every aspect of gardening and was happiest when tending flowers and happy to show people around the garden describing each plant individually.”

Anona kept extensive notes on all her plants and was an authority on daffodils and gave presentations to local gardening societies on several occasions.

While holidaying in Birmingham, she travelled with a suitcase full of clothes, to later return home without her clothes in favour of making room for Hellebore plants.

Such was the respect Anona was held by her friends and colleagues at the Garden Centre, the Johnston family closed the business for the period of Anona’s funeral arrangements.

Her funeral took place at Rossorry Parish Church on Monday November 8 and was conducted by the Dean Kenneth Hall, she was buried in the adjoining churchyard. Funeral arrangements were carried out by Austen Stinson, W.T Morrison Funeral Directors.

Anona is survived by her husband Gerry, her children Wayne, Keith, Brian, Alison and Lauren, her ten grandchildren and her siblings Ken and Daphne. She was predeceased by her siblings, Albert and Sylvia.