Mossley WI members saddened by the death of founder member Lizzie

Lizzie, who passed away last month, celebrated her 100th birthday on February 16, 2015. She was the second of a family of eight and lived on the Carntall Road most of her life, only leaving her home when she was 95 due to ill health.

Lizzie, along with her mother Sadie and her sisters Nellie and Teenie, were founders members of Mossley Women’s Institute in 1945. She served on the committee on numerous occasions and was elected president on a number of occasions, including when she was 90.

She was a member of Mossley Women’s Institute Drama Group - her sister Teenie writing and producing the plays and Lizzie and Teenie both being in the cast. The group won many trophies, including a haul of five in 2006.

Lizzie also served on the Knockagh Area WI committee, including holding the position of chairperson.

Not only was Lizzie involved with the WI, she and her sister Teenie were members of the Women’s Voluntary Service during World War II. Their jobs included knitting for the troops and going each Sunday to cook for troops stationed here.

She was a volunteer at the City Hospital, receiving a medal for her work from King George VI. She combined her voluntary role with working full time in Mossley Mill, a former flax spinning mill.

Lizzie also served on the committee of Newtownabbey Senior Citizens’ Forum, and she and her sisters made an appearance on the cover of Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Source magazine.

Over the years Lizzie and Teenie gave talks to various groups and on radio about the history of Mossley Mill and the local area.

She was very interested in sports, especially hockey and bowls, both of which she played for many years. She represented Mossley WI many times in bowls competitions over the years.

Lizzie and her sisters were honoured to be presented to HRH Prince Charles at the opening of the new civic centre at Mossley Mill in June 2000. She was also introduced to HRH Prince Phillip at a garden party in Coleraine.

In December 2002, Lizzie and her sister Teenie were two of the members from the Knockagh Area Group of Women’s Institutes who together with members of Scurlogstown ICA Co Meath travelled to Dublin and met President Mary McAleese.

Lizzie loved to crochet, sending many items to her daughter-in-law’s hospice shop in Carnoustie. Most of her friends have at least one crochet item that she had lovingly made for them over the years.

Lizzie loved her family and was tremendously proud of them. They will greatly miss her, as will the members of Mossley WI.