Catherine, Countess of Clanwilliam

CATHERINE, Countess of Clanwilliam, who has died aged 90, was the widow of the Sixth Earl of Clanwilliam, who was the last member of his family to own the Montalto estate in Ballynahinch.

An extremely kind and courteous woman, who managed to conceal a natural tendency towards shyness, Lady Clanwilliam immersed herself in many aspects of Ballynahinch life and, like her husband, her popularity spanned all classes and creeds. Rare were the social events in the town which were not graced by her presence.

Born in Oxfordshire in 1923, she was the daughter of Arthur Thomas Loyd, a prominent landowner and politician, who was briefly an MP. Brought up with a deep sense of duty, she worked as a volunteer in a local hospital during the war years, travelling daily by pony and cart.

She married John Charles Edmund Carson Meade, who was known to family members and close friends as Gilly, on December 1, 1948. The couple lived for a time in London before moving to Montalto House in the early 1950s.

They made a Montalto a loving family home where they raised their six daughters and involved themselves in the Ballynahinch community. They worshipped in Magheradroll Parish Church, took a keen interest in local affairs and supported many charities. They were enthusiastic in championing the hugely successful civic weeks in the town in the 1960s and 70s.

Lady Clanwilliam was a great support to her husband and helped him carry out his many duties, which included being Lord Lieutenant for County Down for 17 years and being a caring and conscientious chairman of the National Trust in Northern Ireland. She rarely refused an invitation and always did her best to help others.

She and her husband enjoyed happy times in Ballynahinch, but in 1979 they sold Montalto and moved to Wiltshire in order to be closer to their daughters, who were now living and working in England. She was devastated by the death of her husband in 1989, but she continued to be a source of strength and comfort to her family.

Lady Clanwilliam had many interests, particularly horses, gardening, art and decorating. She had a strong religious faith and delighted in the company of young people. She retained a deep affection for Northern Ireland, keeping in contact with former staff members at Montalto and in later years enjoying visits to her daughter in Fermanagh.

She died peacefully at her home on January 22 and was laid to rest beside her late husband following the funeral service in St. George’s Church, Marlborough, Wiltshire.

Lady Clanwilliam is survived by her daughters, Selina, Mary, Julia, Laura, Katie and Sophie, her 17 grandchildren and by a great grandson.