Mrs. Josephine Scullion

THE death has occurred of Newcastle resident, Mrs. Josephine (Jo) Scullion in her 98th year. 

A loving wife, mother and grandmother, retired teacher and respected and active member of the community, she was a friend to many and will be greatly missed.

Born in Belfast, the fourth of seven children, to Hugh and Ellie O’Kane, Jo grew up on the Springfield Road. 

She was educated at St. Louis Convent, Kilkeel, and trained as a domestic science teacher, starting at the Belfast Tech and continuing in the newly opened college at Garnerville. 

Her first teaching post was in Darton in South Yorkshire, in September 1939, just as war broke out. 

She returned to Belfast in 1942 and had a range of jobs including working as a war-time censor, for the Ministry of Food in Belfast and Derry, tutoring night classes and later teaching in St Comgall’s Primary in Belfast.

Jo met her husband John through their mutual love of music. Both were members of the Christian Brothers Past Pupils Union choir and of St. Malachy’s choir, Belfast, where John was the choirmaster. 

They married in 1950 and settled in Newcastle, bringing up their four daughters, Fionnuala, Aideen, Geraldine and Roisin. 

Jo started teaching again part-time in the 1960’s at St. Malachy’s Secondary School, Castlewellan, working full-time from 1970 until her retirement in 1981. 

She enjoyed her teaching immensely, making good friends among the staff and will be remembered with affection by the many students to whom she gave a thorough grounding in the science of home economics.

Jo continued to take an active part in musical life in Newcastle; for many years she was involved in the Glee Singers, of which John was the Musical Director, as a member and later as patron and supporter. 

She enjoyed golf and was a member, first of Ardglass and then of Royal County Down Ladies’ clubs. 

She was a keen swimmer, loved cycling and dancing, practiced yoga and tai chi, the latter until only two years ago. 

She was a regular member of the Burrendale Health Club until last year and was immensely pleased to have been made an honorary life member in 2013.

Her zest for life and determination to remain independent was an inspiration to all who knew her. 

By creating an aura of mystery about her age, she managed to avoid either being patronised or limited by those with preconceived notions of what being old should mean. Despite losing John in 2000, she drew energy and encouragement from her many social contacts. 

Her family was central to her life and she loved visiting her grandchildren in England and Scotland. 

She was recognised as the key source of family history with her astonishing memory for the details of family connections. 

She also had a great capacity for friendship, keeping in touch with her school friends, her work colleagues and those she had known from her visits to the Rannafast Gaeltacht, but also continuing to create new friendships amongst all age groups right to the end of her life.

Jo’s funeral mass was attended by friends and family from far and wide and the family were very appreciative of the lovely service led by Fr Colin Crossey and particularly for the music provided by the choir under Manus O’Boyle’s direction. 

The family are very grateful for the support and love of friends and family shown after Jo’s death and for the many friends, family and professionals who, during her later years, helped her lead the independent life she valued.

Jo died peacefully at Nazareth Care Village on March 22. Her month’s mind Mass will be held on Sunday, April 19,at 8.30am at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Newcastle.