Mrs. Lorna Telford

THE death has taken place of highly respected Downpatrick woman Mrs. Lorna Telford. She was 49.

A former Assistant Director with the South Eastern Health Trust, Lorna passed away at the Marie Curie Hospice in Belfast on September 19 after a courageous four-and-a-half year battle with cancer.

Born on July 25, 1965 in Downpatrick, Lorna grew up in her family home at Rathkeltair Road and was educated at Downpatrick Primary School and Down High School.

She studied for her nursing degree and nursing qualification at the University of Ulster in Coleraine, graduating in 1987. Following graduation, Lorna began her nursing career at Bangor Hospital where she spent two years before being promoted to a senior nursing post, focusing on improving the quality of patient care.

This was one of many promotions, the final being her appointment as Assistant Director for Safe and Effective Care with the South Eastern Trust where she was held in high regard by her colleagues and  was noted for her professionalism and attention to detail.

Lorna excelled in every aspect of her working life and was held in high esteem by all who were fortunate to know her, either through her professional or family life.

During Lorna’s nursing career, she continued to develop professionally, completing an MSc in Professional Development in 1994, receiving a distinction.

She was an inspirational leader, known for her integrity and professionalism within Northern Ireland and further afield. Lorna previously held a senior position with the Royal College of Nursing and frequently spent time at meetings in London.

While devoted to her work, Lorna was very much a family woman. She met her husband David in 1982, with the couple marrying seven years later on July 22, 1989. Earlier this year, the couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

The couple were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Emma and Evie, who were the love of Lorna’s life. She cherished every moment with them and took great pride in her “two wee treasures.” Emma recently celebrated her 18th birthday, while Evie’s 12th birthday is today.

Those who knew Lorna know she was truly devoted to David and the girls and despite being a particularly busy health professional, her husband and children were always Lorna’s first priority.

Lorna became unwell in December 2009 and was diagnosed with lung cancer five months later, despite being a non-smoker. She fought her illness with great bravery, fortitude, courage and determination. Despite much pain and suffering she battled hard to spend as much time as she could with her devoted family.

Sadly, despite several interventions and treatments, Lorna lost her battle with cancer a few weeks ago. She was ably looked after by various healthcare professionals, both in hospital and community settings, and was extremely appreciative of all the dedicated care and treatment she received at the Ulster Hospital’s MacDermott Unit and the Marie Curie Hospice.

The community nurses who called each day at the family home at The Meadows in Downpatrick throughout her illness were welcome visitors, with Lorna greatly appreciative of the care they provided.

Lorna’s final days were spent at the Marie Curie Hospice with her family and close friends at her side.

A woman of deep religious faith, Lorna took great comfort from the pastoral care she and her family received during her illness. She was also a regular attender at Down Cathedral’s monthly healing service.

Lorna’s funeral service was held at Down Parish Church on September 22 with the large attendance testament to the esteem in which she and her family are held.

The service was conducted by the Rev. Stuart Burns and the Very Rev. Henry Hull, Dean of Down. Lorna’s eldest daughter Emma read Psalm 121. Miss Valerie Wilson read Lorna’s touching and thought-provoking eulogy which she wrote several months before she died.

Following her funeral service, Lorna was buried in the family burial plot in the grounds of the Parish Church.

Lorna is survived by her sorrowing husband David, daughters Emma and Evie, parents Hugh and Joan McMullan, sisters Sharon and Kathy, parents-in-law George and Elaine Telford, brother-in-law Jonathan and a wide family circle. She will be sorely missed by all those who were fortunate to love and know her.