Mrs Nellie Chambers

THE death has taken place of Mrs Nellie Chambers. She was 97.

Mrs Chambers, who passed away at her home in Newcastle on December 20, spent her childhood with her five brothers and sisters at the Hill Head farm near Ballynahinch. 

Educated in Magherahamlet, she married her husband, Alex, on June 6, 1944 — D-Day. The couple lived for a decade at their farm at Drumgavelin. The couple subsequently moved to the Spa in 1955 and on retirement relocated to Newcastle.

Mrs Chambers recovered from a period of serious illness while she was in her 30s and went on to play full role in the family farm in the post-war years, helping with harvesting crops and assisting with the management of livestock.

Following her husband’s retirement from farming and moving to Newcastle, the couple made many new friends, taking regular touring holidays around Ireland.

Throughout her life, Mrs Chambers enjoyed many hobbies and had a number of interests, including gardening, cooking and baking.

She was also a very skilful knitter and crochet exponent. She and her husband were excellent old time dancers and enjoyed attending and organising dances across the country.

Mrs Chambers also enjoyed walking in the Mournes and nearby coastal areas. She liked music and for a number of years was a choir member at Magherahamlet Presbyterian Church which she regularly attended.

The arrival of two granddaughters and two great granddaughters added a further dimension to her life and there were many opportunities for family celebrations as she and her husband celebrated landmark birthdays and their golden and diamond wedding anniversaries.

Over the past few years, her health had deteriorated and she was cared for at home with loving care and affection by her daughter, Elsie, and a number of carers.

During her long life, Mrs Chambers was a much respected member of the communities in which she lived and was a valued and friendly neighbour.

She will be greatly missed by all her many friends, in particular, her immediate family.

The large number of people who attended her funeral service at Magherahamlet Presbyterian Church reflected the high esteem in which she was held.

The service was conducted by the Rev David Hyndman, with burial taking place in the adjoining cemetery.

During the funeral service, Mrs Chambers’ son, Vic, paid tribute to her, with granddaughters Anna and Sarah reading some poetry. 

Her great granddaughter, Megan, gave a rendition of ‘The Star of the County Down’, accompanied by her daughter, Elsie, on the organ and her friends from the musical group, Harmony.