THE late Iris Smyth has been remembered for her commitment to education, community and family.
Iris Smyth (92) of 8 Thorndale, Letterkenny, and formerly Glencar, Letterkenny, passed away peacefully in Larissa Lodge Nursing Home in Carnamuggagh on Wednesday, April 29.
Her funeral service took place on Saturday in Trinity Presbyterian Church in Letterkenny. It was led by Reverend Thomas Bruce.
Iris was born on May 9, 1933. She was one of five children to Hugh and Margaret Smyth.
Addressing the congregation, Rev Bruce said Iris grew up in a “busy but content” household with her siblings Pearl, Jean, Ruth and Harold.
Iris attended the Royal and Prior Secondary School in Raphoe, then known as The Royal.
“She took a keen interest in school activities, and was an active member of the Past Pupils’ Association, serving as the president from 1993 to 1994,” said Rev Bruce.
“Community, education, family were important to Iris, and this is evident from her commitment to the community of Letterkenny, and the education of many generations of children in it.
“After teacher-training, Iris was employed in Glendowan National School near Newmills, a post she continued in until the amalgamation of several small Church of Ireland Presbyterian national schools to form Ballyraine National School in 1976.
“She was well-known for her reliability and dedication, with generations of children passing through her classroom.
“This love of community and commitment is evident in her service in so many other ways as well. A member of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) and the Presbyterian Women’s Association here in the Church, Iris’s days were filled with activity and service.”
Iris also served as a Sunday School teacher in Trinity Presbyterian Church, where she was a regular churchgoer.
“Iris was one of those youthful seniors,” said Rev Bruce.
She was involved in several local social groups, including the Young at Heart Club, Letterkenny Active Retirement Association, and Meals on Wheels.
Iris was a “devoted aunt”, living in the family home with Harold and Myrtle.
“Even when she set up her own home nearby, she ensured that the family ties were maintained,” said Rev Bruce.
He added that Iris would visit with treats for her nieces and nephews every Thursday evening, and she cared for her mother.
“When her brother Harold passed away in July 1994, Iris was there as a caring support for Myrtle and her family,” said Rev Bruce.
Iris loved to travel “far and wide” with her friend, Greta Gamble, and visited her sister Jean in Melbourne.
Iris spent her final days at Larissa Lodge Nursing Home, and Rev Bruce said that her family wished to thank the staff for their love and care.
“She lived a long and a happy life marked by community service, loyalty and family,” said Rev Bruce.
A slideshow of photographs showing Iris with loved ones and friends was displayed as the service came to a close.
After the service, Iris was laid to rest in Gortlee Cemetery.
Iris is predeceased by her brother Harold and sister Pearl. She is sadly missed by her family, sisters Ruth and Jean, sister-in-law Myrtle, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends.