Mrs. Florence Donnan

THE recent death of Mrs. Florence Donnan at Silver Birch Lodge Nursing Home, Saintfield, has aroused much sympathy and sadness. She was 89.

Mrs. Donnan who lived at Peartree Road, Cahard, was a retired farmer’s wife and was involved in many local groups and organisations.

She had a great interest in the Girls’ Brigade and founded the 44th Northern Ireland Company of the GB in 1948. She was closely associated with women’s groups attached to First Saintfield Presbyterian Church and Saintfield Women’s Institute for many years.

She enjoyed reading and keeping abreast of current affairs. Affectionately known as ‘The Bard of Cahard,’ she had a little sideline of writing poetry and would write poems to mark special events or anniversaries relating to people or groups with whom she was involved. This brought her much satisfaction, as well as appreciation.

The Rev. Jonathan Currie and the Rev. David McConaghy conducted the funeral service in First Saintfield Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, March 25.

Mrs. Donnan, who was widowed, is survived by her son, David, daughters Maureen and Lorna, daughter-in-law Cathy, sons-in-law Paul and Clive, and grandchildren Adam, Hannah, Nathan, John, Grace, Jessica and Thomas. She is also survived by her brothers, David, John and James, sisters-in-law Sadie, Muriel and Edna, and the wider family circle.