Great sadness has been expressed by the whole community and friends following the death of Mrs. Hazel Lendrum former Headteacher at Killadeas Special Care School, on December 16, 2022.

Hazel was born at Drumsara, Irvinestown on October 31, 1934 to Henry and Elizabeth Hetherington. She was the eldest daughter and is survived by her younger sister Dorie and brother Harold.

In her childhood years she spent much time on the family farm helping out with chores and generally enjoying country life. Her annual Sunday School outing to Bundoran was always a special treat which Hazel held fond childhood memories of.

Teaching career

Hazel was educated at Irvinestown Primary School, followed by Enniskillen Collegiate Grammar School. She started the first phase of her teaching career in September 1955 at a residential unit for pupils with learning difficulties in Armagh.

The following year she left for teacher training college in Manchester, returning to Armagh in 1958 to take up a permanent teaching post. She remained there for a further two years before returning to Enniskillen where she set up a small class for children with educational needs in the original Cathedral Hall.

In 1966 Hazel commissioned and opened Killadeas Special Care School. A facility which provided support, education and training for both children and adults with special educational needs.

The school consisted of ten teaching staff with approximately 70 pupils of varying ages and disabilities, supported by therapists and classroom assistants. Hazel remained in the post as headteacher for 33 years.

Over this time she took the opportunity to travel to educational conferences around the world.

In the late 70s and 80s she visited Europe, South Africa, South America and India, recalling these experiences as some of her happiest memories.

Her career as a teacher also saw many changes with the introduction of the Northern Ireland curriculum which had a particular emphasis on the teaching of mainstream school subjects.

However, Hazel always prioritised the promotion of ‘Daily Living Skills’ to achieve as much independence as possible for the pupils at Killadeas. She was particularly proud of those who competed in the Special Olympics, with some travelling as far as the USA to compete.

She was always grateful for the loyalty and support of her colleagues and parents alike, keeping in touch with many of them long after she retired.

A particular favourite were the reunions they had at the Mencap annual party. Many of her teaching colleagues remained great friends for the rest of her life.

Towards the end of her teaching career, Hazel was appointed as President of the Ulster Teachers Union in 1992.

In addition to this she campaigned tirelessly for new school facilities for her pupils and visited many potential sites.

Following an official visit to Killadeas School, Lord Ancram announced funding of £2.8 million for a new school to be commissioned.

Elmbrook School was eventually opened in 1997 and was later renamed Willowbridge School. Hazel continued there as headteacher until her retirement in 1997.

Following her retirement and true to character, Hazel found other interests to pursue, including an appointment to the Mental Health Commission for Northern Ireland.

Chairperson

In the year 2000 she was elected as the first chairperson of the Erne U3A and eventually became president of the society, a position she held until her recent passing. During her time at these organisations Hazel again acquired some great lifelong friends.

When Hazel returned to Fermanagh in 1960 she met Mervyn Edward Lendrum from Clones, Co Monaghan. They were married the following year in April 1961 at The Manor House Hotel.

The following year their first child Paul arrived and four years later their second son Michael was born. They also had a daughter Lisa who passed away at the early age of nine months.

Mervyn and Hazel began married life in Bellanaleck and moved to Algeo Drive, Enniskillen in 1966.

Hazel resided at Algeo Drive for the remainder of her life and her sons recall good times there, where she indulged her love of socialising with friends and family. She also enjoyed travelling abroad, going on many continental holidays with Mervyn and the boys.

Mervyn passed away in 2011 leaving a void in family life, but Hazel continued to travel, going on holidays and cruises with her sister Dorrie and close friends.

Her grandchildren Lauren and Adam were very much part of Hazel’s life and she always looked forward to them coming to stay.

Hazel’s health had been deteriorating over the past few years and she finally passed away on December 16, 2022, surrounded by her immediate family. She leaves behind her son Paul married to Rosemary, Michael and his partner Keith and her two grandchildren Lauren and Adam.

Pivotal role

There is no doubt Hazel was pivotal in highlighting and then meeting the needs of children and young adults with special educational needs in Fermanagh, as early as the 1960’s.

Her contribution and dedication to ensuring this section of the community were given the support and opportunities equal to that of the wider community stayed with her throughout her whole adult life.

Anyone who knew Hazel will know she was an inspirational mother and friend who made no secret of her ‘Joie de vivre’ and lived life to the fullest. Her loss is deeply felt by her sons, grandchildren, family and friends.

The funeral service was conducted at St. Macartin’s Cathedral by The Very Reverend Kenneth Hall who delivered prayers and a very fitting tribute to Hazel, “Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create” - Roy T. Bennett