A much loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth (Lily) Aiken, wife of the late Billy Aiken, late of Main Street, Ballinamallard, passed away peacefully at Millcroft Nursing Home, Enniskillen, on November 9, 2017.

Formerly Humphries, she was born on October 28, 1930, one of seven children, Mary, Robert, Margaret, Harry, Ella and Annie. 
She lived on the Pettigo Border at Drumskinny on a small farm. 
Her mother died when Lily was only young.

Lily was christened Sarah Elizabeth but the teacher decided to change her name to Lily. 

After her mother’s death, the family moved to Tedd, Irvinestown.
Lily left Irvinestown to work in a café in Portadown and later returned to Enniskillen to work for Miss Ritchie of the ‘Pound Brae’ as a cook, catering for her many dinner parties.

She met William (Billy) Aiken of Ballinamallard and they married in Irvinestown Church of Ireland on April 24, 1957.

They moved to their home on the Main Street, Ballinamallard, where Lily lived until her ill health three years ago.

Billy and Lily raised six children - three boys Jeffrey, Earl and Osmond, and three girls Lorraine, Zelda and Janice. Lily was extremely proud of her children. 

She worked tirelessly alongside her loving husband to provide a loving family home and encouraged each of the children to pursue and value their education.

Family was Lily’s life and she was delighted as her 18 grandchildren were born and lately her great grandchild Joshua. 

Lily was a kind and devoted mother, mother in law and nanny. She was deeply saddened by the death of her infant granddaughter Kayleigh, aged 15 months in 1999.

When Lily’s children grew up she looked after her grandchildren alongside five children she childminded for. These children were treated just like her own and she became their nanny too.

Lily was predeceased by her husband Billy 21 years ago, after nearly 40 years of happy married life. 

They worked together on their vegetable garden at home, making flower displays, decorating, bowling and shared a passion for Ballinamallard F.C.

Lily loved to attend matches with Mrs. Fallis, supporting their sons and washing the kits on the following Monday. She was a great baker - wheaten, soda, scones, Christmas cakes and tray bakes, just a few of her specialities. 

Lily was a faithful member of Magheracross Parish Church and Mothers’ Union.

In later life, Lily enjoyed attending Friday Club and Irvinestown Trendsetters. 

She took part in many activities including knitting for the Neonatal unit, collecting for Cancer Research and keeping physically active by taking part in keep fit sessions at the Bawnacre. 
Lily enjoyed travelling and going on trips with her children. 
She loved meals out and Saturday coffee dates with her daughters.

Unfortunately Lily was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia and this took a great toll on her general health. She was cared for with great dignity and respect by Millverne, Ashbrooke and Millcroft nursing homes, and the family are grateful for the care Lily received. 

Her funeral service took place in Magheracross Parish Church, Ballinamallard, followed by burial in Craghan Cemetery.

Lily was predeceased by her husband Billy, granddaughter Kayleigh, and her siblings Mary Porter, Robert and Harry Humphries and Annie Keys.
She will be dearly missed by her six children and their partners, Jeff and Anne, Lorraine and Nigel, Earl and Dawn, Zelda and Jackie, Ossie and Claire, Janice and Trevor, and her 17 grandchildren, great grandson, and her sisters Ella Gibson and Margaret Robinson.

The funeral arrangements were by Funeral Directors, S.R. Elliott and Sons, Darling Street, Enniskillen.