HUNDREDS SAY THEIR GOODBYE TO `AUNTY IRIS'
Large turnout for funeral of much loved Lisburn woman
THERE
was a huge turnout at Railway Street Presbyterian Church on
Wednesday for the funeral of Mrs. Iris McCall who was known to
many people in Lisburn as `Aunty Iris'.
Mrs. McCall, who founded the city's branch of Leukaemia Research 25 years ago, passed away on Sunday at the age of 67 after battling for some time against a brain tumour.
She is survived by her husband Colin, the proprietor of local construction company Harmony Homes, sons Simon and Timothy and daughter Janice.
She will also-be sadly missed by her 11 much loved grandchildren who knew her simply as 'Nanny'. However, grief at her passing extended well beyond her immediate family circle.
Her kindness towards others and her concern for anyone facing difficulties earned her the title 'the district nurse' among those who knew her well, "She was never off the trot and visited people every week," her husband Colin recalled.
"She would actually say 'I haven't been down to see so and so for some time' and she would go that very afternoon."
Mrs. McCall was born in the Longstone Street area. She was a member of the Collins family who are also well known in the Lisburn business community
Her parents Isaac and Doreen owned a grocery store on the site of the current Niagara hot food outlet and she went into the family business after leaving Methodist College in Belfast
She and her husband first met on St Patrick's Day 1954 at a dance in 'Verney's', a club which was based on the first floor of the Assembly Buildings (now the Museum and Irish Linen Centre).
"Iris held the number one membership card for the club," explained Mr. McCall.
The young couple were married in 1958 and set up home in a bungalow built by Mr. McCall at Pond Park Road.
A number of house moves followed until they settled at 'Silver Birches' on Waterloo Road which is still the family home.
The McCall family is well known in Lisburn's commercial life.
Harmony Homes is one of Northern Ireland's most respected building firms.
Mrs. McCall's father in law Mr. John F. McCall was responsible for building a number of developments in the Lisburn area including Harmony Heights and homes at Carnreagh. Many local families booked their annual holidays at McCalls Travel Agency in Market Square.
However, for a period Mrs. McCall operated a business of her own along with a partner.
"It was called `Commercial Plants' and they supplied large plants for complexes such as the Park Centre and Castlecourt," said Mr. McCall.
"Indeed, they used to import plants from Hong Kong for many of their clients."
Following Wednesday's service at Railway Street Mrs.-McCall was laid to rest at Blaris.
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Warm tribute paid by research group, |
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THE Lisburn branch of the Northern Ireland Leukaemia Research Fund paid a warm tribute to Mrs. McCall, who was its founder. Chairperson Irene Richer recalled how Iris decided to raise funds for Research into the disease after her niece Gail Stronge (nee Collins) was diagnosed 25 years ago. "Iris decided to do something positive. She formed the Lisburn branch and gave it her everything," she said. "Indeed, during her illness she was still very much involved. Her enthusiasm and drive will be sorely missed. "Our sympathy goes out to her devoted husband Colin, her daughter Janice, sons Simon and Timothy and all the family circle." |
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A Celebration of the life of IRIS EVA CATHERINE McCALL 1936-2004
18th FEBRUARY 2004 Officiating Ministers REV. B. GIBSON REV DR. H. CROMIE |
MUMYou always had a happy face You always cared for others Christmastime you loved the
best. The first to surface every day.
"THE CHILDREN" Interment After The Service Will
Take Place The Family Request That In Lieu Of
Floral Tributes Donations May Be Sent If Desired To The Family Wish To Thank Everyone Who Has Taken The Time To Be With Them Today And Invite You To Join With Them For Refreshments In Railway Street Presbyterian Church Hall |
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PRAISE O Perfect Love O perfect Love, all human thought O perfect Life, Grant them the joy SCRIPTURE READINGS SOLO - BE STILL |
TRIBUTE PRAYER PRAISE The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want; My soul he doth restore again; Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale, My table Thou hast furnished Goodness and mercy all my life BENEDICTION |
20/02/2004
