Mary never lost her sense of humour

Maisie, as she was affectionately known, was a member of the Johnston family from Creevy, Loughbrickland who have suffered four bereavements in this past year.

After her schooling in Banbridge she trained as a teacher in Stranmillis College, Belfast where she met her late husband Kenneth Groves from Rathfriland. She taught in a number of schools throughout Northern Ireland starting in Castlevennon and then Edendale before moving to Strathfoyle in Londonderry where she retired as Vice Principal.

On returning to Banbridge she joined the congregation of Bannside Presbyterian Church and in latter years went to stay near her daughter in Swindon.

She was a talented wool worker and produced many products for her children throughout the years who appreciated her arran jumpers, crocheted blankets and baby clothes. She loved being with her grandchildren.

She led an active life from walks with her good friend Ida to rambles through 
the Mournes.

Her late husband took ill with dementia and passed away and some 15 years after Maisie took ill and passed away with the same illness. She never lost her sense 
of humour.

She is survived by two daughters Sheila (Aberdeen) and Jennifer (Swindon), son Richard (Portrush), sons-in-law John and Rob, grandchildren Iain, Jenna, Jessica and Joshua. To these and all other relatives sincere sympathy has been extended.

The funeral took place on Friday following a service in Bannside Presbyterian Church when mourners came to pay their last respects. They heard her daughter give a tribute to her mother and the address was given by the Rev Dr Mark Gray. The hymns ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’ and ‘How Great Thou Art’ were sung. Mr. Alastair Mitchell presided at the organ.

Maisie was laid to rest with her husband Kenneth in 1st Rathfriland Presbyterian Churchyard. Family flowers were placed on the grave and donations in lieu of flowers are being sent to William Bell and Co Funeral Directors, 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge, BT32 3LR for Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research (Cheques made payable to William Bell and Co).

William Bell and Co had charge of the funeral 
arrangements.