Former president of Banbridge Ladies Hockey Club

THE passing of Mrs Dororthy Lyttle took place on Wednesday, 22 August, in Mountvale Private Nursing Home, Dromore.

Dorothy, formerly of Downside Avenue in Banbridge, was the dearly loved wife of the late Norman Lyttle who predeceased her in 2003, and the devoted mother of Jo-Anne.

She was born in Ashley Street, Banbridge, the middle child of five to William and Annie Close. Educated at Dunbar School, Abercorn Primary School and Banbridge Academy, Dorothy joined the Civil Service in 1947 and remained there until her marriage to Norman in 1965 when she began to work in the Industrial Training Board and where she stayed until her retirement.

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Dorothy had a keen interest in sport and especially enjoyed following football and tennis on television. However, it was hockey that was her passion and her playing career was developed at Banbridge Academy. She later played for Civil Service before joining Banbridge Ladies Hockey Club after it was formed in 1947.

She played for many years for the local club and after she retired as a playing member she retained a keen interest both on the sidelines and behind the scenes. She also held the position of club president for a significant part of the 1980s and 1900s and her commitment to the club was recognised when Honorary Life Membership was bestowed upon her.

A member of Holy Trinity Parish Church, Dorothy was also a member of the Mothers’ Union for many years and attended church regularly when health permitted - later listening to the services via the airwaves when she was no longer able to take her seat in the pew.

Highly respected by all who knew her, she will be sorely missed by her family, particularly her daughter Jo-Anne, brother Jim, sisters-in-law Laura and Peggy, nephew David and niece Marie and also Rory and Stuart. To these and all other relatives, sincere sympathy has been extended.

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Dorothy’s funeral took place from Holy Trinity Church on Friday, 24th August, where a large congregation heard Archdeacon Roderic West, assisted by Captain Geoffrey Walmsley, pay a fitting tribute to her life.

The hymns ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’ and ‘Be Thou My Vision’ were sung with Dr Stephen Timpany presiding at the organ.

William Bell and Co were entrusted with the funeral arrangements and interment took place at the New Cemetery, Banbridge. Family flowers were placed on the grave and donations are being sent to William Bell and Co., funeral directors, 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge BT32 3LR for Holy Trinity Church and Mountvale Private Nursing Home.