Sadness at passing of popular Newbuildings teacher

There has been widespread regret following the death on April 11 of popular Newbuildings Primary School teacher, Mrs Esther Scobie.
Mrs Esther ScobieMrs Esther Scobie
Mrs Esther Scobie

A devoted wife, mother and grand mother, Esther Rose Scobie and Harold married for over 51 years.

Esther grew up in the Waterside area of Londonderry along with her sister Dorothy. Esther attended Clooney Primary School and Londonderry High School, after which she headed to Belfast for teacher training in Stranmillis College, where she had the honour of being head girl.

Upon graduation Esther began her teaching career in Killymallaght Primary School then moved to Newbuildings Primary School where she taught for 33 years. Her work in education was recognised when in May 2000, she was invited to meet the Queen in Buckingham Palace. On her teaching Dr Craig said ‘How many generations of children gained from Esther not only their formal education but a love of reading, of poetry, or craft and making things?’

Esther had a love of English, often writing poetry to aid her personal reflection or to share with others. She published a book of her poems entitled ‘Joy in the morning’ to raise money for the Cowans, PCI Missionaries in Kenya. One of her more recent poems, Through me Lord, was read at the service of thanksgiving by her daughter Naomi.

Esther had a deep Christian faith, her commitment to Christ and his kingdom was clear in her words, her character, her attitude and her actions.

Played the organ and lead the choir in Magheramason Presbyterian. Upon moving to Kilfennan she sung Alto in the choir there.

She was ordained as an elder in Kilfennan Presbyterian on the 18th April 2010. Her ordination was formal recognition of her gifts and character, which she used in many ways seen and unseen in the service of Christ.

Service of Thanksgiving took place on Thursday 17th April, 2pm in Kilfennan Presbyterian church,followed by a committal in Altnagelvin Cemetery.

Service lead by Rev Mark McKeown, Assistant Minister in Kilfennan, Rev Jonathan Cowan, Minister of Mountjoy and Drumleagh Presbyterian churches (Omagh), brought the address. Rt Rev Dr Rob Craig, minister of Kilfennan was unable to take part as he had duties to perform in his office of Moderator of the General Assembly of PCI. He did submit a tribute which was read as part of the service.

The hymns and readings at the service where Esther’s favourites – she had noted these down on the flyleaf of her bible.

The opening hymn And can it be that I should gain, along with The old rugged cross, which was also sung speak of Esther’s faith and confidence in Jesus Christ as her Saviour.

The closing hymn May the mind of Christ my Saviour, speaks of Esther’s desire to have the love and character of Christ displayed through her. This desire was also expressed in the anthem which the choir sang Let this mind be in you.

Esther’s son, Jonathan, read Psalm 84, which speaks of the Psalmist’s longing to be praising God, with His people, in His house. This is a desire which Esther lived throughout her life, as she took every opportunity to worship God and learn more about him.

The late Mrs Scobie is survived by her devoted husband, Harold, she was pre-deceased by Victor. She is also survived by children Trevor, Peter, Jonathan and Naomi, and daughters and son-in-law Susanne, Claire and Jonathan. She was the adored grandmother of Graham, Jenna, Nicole, Thomas, Ben, Jack, Luke, Peter and the late Richard, by whom she was adored.