Mrs Sarah Matthewson

MRS Sarah Matthewson, of Cumber Drive, Drumaness, who passed away on June 18, was a much loved member of the Drumaness community and was in her 103rd year.

Born near Govan in Scotland, Mrs Matthewson lived in Drumaness for over 70 years. She never lost her Scottish accent, but the people in Drumaness looked upon her as one of their own.

Her parents came from the Dromara area and as a girl and a young woman she made frequent trips from Glasgow to visit her Co Down relatives. It was during one such visit in 1938 that she met and fell in love with her future husband, Sammy Matthewson, who worked in the mill in Drumaness.

The couple were married on July 9, 1940, in Ballynahinch Congregational Church and were blessed with three children, Jim (deceased), Robert and Mary, who loved her dearly.

A highly active and busy woman, she worked for a time at the Albion factory in Ballynahinch and was also a dinner lady at Drumaness Primary School where she was extremely popular with the teaching staff and the children.

Prior to her marriage she worked as a florist in Glasgow. Her skills for flower arranging never left her and she would often make beautiful floral displays for her family. Up until a few years ago she was still making Christmas wreaths.

Outgoing, kind and helpful, nothing was too much trouble for her. She believed in helping others and often cycled to Ballynahinch to collect preions. The death of her husband 30 years ago was a heavy blow, but she bore it with the fortitude forged by her strong Christian faith.

Mrs Matthewson spent her last years in Spa Nursing Home where she was looked after by attentive staff. In 2013 when she celebrated her 100th birthday, she was delighted to receive a telegram from the Queen and enjoyed a party with family and friends.

At the time she said her healthy lifestyle — which included good food, plenty of exercise and abstention from alcohol and tobacco — had helped to keep her young.

In addition to her children, Mrs Matthewson is survived by her four grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.

The funeral service was held last Tuesday, June 21, in Douglas Funeral Church and was followed by interment in Ballynahinch Congregational Churchyard.

The sympathy of the community is extended to Mrs Matthewson’s grieving family.