Tributes paid after sudden passing of Hillhall woman

They heard too how she and husband Robert had only two weeks ago celebrated their Ruby wedding anniversary.

There was widespread shock at news of Mrs Orr’s sudden death on Sunday, June 29 and it was at Lisburn Congregational Church on Wednesday (July 2) that her brother-in-law Robert Millar paid tribute to Elizabeth on behalf of her husband and family cicrle.

He recalled how Mrs Orr (nee Perry) was born in Ballymullan on October 5, 1954, she and her family moving four years later to Moor’s Bridge at Hillsborough Road.

Bro Robert Orr (District Treasurer) pictured with his daughter Elizabeth and his sons Conrad and Wayne when the mini-twelfth parade made a short stop near the family home. The family are pictured at the Lisburn District LOL No 6 bannerette which had black ribbons attached to mark the sudden passing on Sunday 29th June of Roberts beloved wife Elizabeth, who will be much missed by Lisburn District LOL No 6 brethren.

The young Elizabeth was educated at Central Primary School and later Forthill.

Said Mr Millar: “During this time of growing up, Margaret, her (Elizabeth’s) only sister, and I started going out together and everywhere we went Elizabeth came too, joining us on all our outings.

“It was at a Youth Fellowship visit to the Iron Hall that she gave her life to The Lord.”

As a school-leaver Elizabeth started work - cutting nurses’ uniforms - in Woods Factory at Bachelors’ Walk, but after three years she had to leave to take care of her ailing mother.

At church, where she was to remain greatly involved throughout her life, she joined the Girls’ Brigade and worked her way up to officer.

It was on the last Saturday of August, 1973 that Elizabeth met “the love of her life”, Robert Orr; the two were engaged on October 5 that same year and married in June, 1974. They had three children, Elizabeth, Conrad and Wayne.

Mrs. Orr is survived too by son-in-law Peter, daughters-in-law Kerry and Karen, 11 grandchildren, newphew David and wider family circle.

Wednesday’s service of thanksgiving, after the funeral from Mrs Orr’s Ashmount Gardens home, w as conducted by the minister, the Rev Stephen Hanna. The Scripture lesson was read by Elizabeth’s nephew, David.

There was shock too, at news of Mrs Orr’s death, among members of the Orange Order’s Lisburn District LOL No 6, with whom her husband Robert is District Treasurer and Past District Master.

At Tuesday night’s Mini-Twelfth and Arch-opening in Lisburn black ribbons were attached to the district bannerette and the parade made a short stop at Gregg Street, where it was met by the Orr family.

Mrs Orr was interred at Lisburn New Cemetery, Blaris.

Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, go to the Royal Belfast Hospital For Sick Children, c/o Bobby Morrison Funeral Director, 38 Hillsborough Road, Lisburn, BT28 1AQ.