Service of thanksgiving for Larne woman Allyson

Fifty-four-year-old Mrs. Bell passed away on March 11 in Canada where she had been receiving pioneering treatment.

In his call to worship, Rev. Colin McClure, First Larne minister, said: “I know, we know, how you worked energetically, determinedly and sensitively. If human activity and endeavour could have restored Allyson, you would have done it.

“Allyson was esteemed amongst us, her community of friends and colleagues. We are all grieving today. Consequently, we cannot and must not be confined in our reflections on this day by what hasbeen our experience of these last few months.

“Today, from our different perspectives, we can also recall with happiness and satisfaction the many years previously we journeyed with her.

Allyson was born in Chicago and returned to Larne with her parents Eleanor and Johnny when she was three-years-old.

She was later a pupil at Moyle Primary and Greenland Secondary Schools.

Allyson caught the Irish dancing bug from her mother and was competingsuccessfully in festivals and championships well into her forties.

Allyson’s particular skills and personality were recognised when she became a NI Sterex trainer and a part-time teacher at Newtownabbey Tech.

Her own salon, co-owned with her close friend Maura Alexander and daughter and fellow beautician, Caroline, provided her with clients and friends.

Mrs Bell is survived by her husband David, son Steven, daughters Caroline and Courtney, brothers David and Bobby.