The death of Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty” Collum occurred peacefully on January 13, 2019, at the Tilery Care home, Florencecourt.

Born in 1928 in Galbally, Togherdoo, Co Tyrone; the youngest daughter of Henry and Letitia Margaret’s family of six (Isa, James, Meta, George, Mary and Betty). This was a close-knit family, whose legacy of strong family ties, and Christian values have persisted down the generations. Betty enjoyed a happy childhood, in Crossan Primary School, Omagh Academy, then teacher training in Belfast.

Early teaching jobs were in Belfast and its surroundings, though early in her career, Betty left the comfort of familiar surroundings and travelled to South Africa, where she worked as a teacher, for approximately three years.

Upon her return, Betty began primary school teaching in Anahilt, County Down, where she remained until she met Noel. They became engaged in May 1961, and married that August.

A new job was accepted in Jones Memorial Primary School, where Betty taught primary four and also special educational needs pupils, until retirement in 1986.

Noel and Betty lived at first over Noel’s grocer’s shop in High st, Enniskillen and later on the Sligo Road, moving to Old Rossorry Rd in 1972. Niall, their only son was born soon after.

Through all Betty’s adult life, children were a big priority, in school, in youth organisations, and her wider family. Her Christian faith was the driving force, living out those values transparently:

She was the founding captain of Anahilt Girls Brigade, and the captain of Enniskillen Methodist Girls Brigade for several years. She played the church organ in Letterbreen Methodist Church for approximately 30 years, was a regular member of the bible study and prayer meeting, and helped set up a “tea break” club for local people, and had an active interest in Christian mission.

She had many other interests, including: birdwatching (setting up the school YOC branch of the RSPB), swimming, board games, cooking, baking and cake-icing to name some.