Woman who loved church and family

Born in Fitzroy Street, her three main homes over the years were in Portadown, Lurgan and Richhill – her churches were St Mark’s in her original home town, Shankill in Lurgan and St Matthew’s in Richhill.

She was born June Currie, daughter of Ernest and Enza, and is the last of the original family. She is survived by husband Tom, sons Michael and Paul (daughter-in-law Louise) and was ‘Nana’ to Eliana and Nathan.

June was educated at the Hart Memorial Primary School when ‘Boss McKee’ was in charge, and went on to Clounagh (then Intermediate) School after which she started work at Wade Pottery in Watson Street – now long gone. She rose to the post of product inspector. Afterwards, she worked at ‘Ulster Telefusion’, a TV rental shop in West Street.

June and Tom were married in 1965. Tom was one of a well-known family in Seagoe Park. Her brothers Joe, Frankie and Cecil have contributed so much to Portadown.

Sadly, she died three days after her 71st birthday and just two months short of what would have been her and Tom’s golden wedding anniversary.

She grew up in St Mark’s, and in 1971 she and Tom moved to Lurgan where she played a major role in Shankill, along with her ‘sisters’ Margaret Houston, Florence Reynold and Martha Arlow. As well as week-to-week church work, they carried out much cross-community activity. The Rector was Rev Ken Good who later became Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, succeeding James Mehaffey from Portadown.

The family moved to Richhill 23 years ago, and again she was devoted to the work of the church – St Matthew’s Parish Church, where she served on the Select Vestry and the Noah’s Ark project. Her special friend there was Ina Robinson, who visited her virtually every day during her long illness. The family place their grateful thanks on record. They also thanked staff of Craigavon Hospital – especially A&E and Haematology – for their unfailing care.

The service of thanksgiving was at St Matthew’s. The Rev David Coe officiated.

Donations in lieu of flowers are to St Matthew’s Parish Church, Richhill, c/o Milne Funeral Services, Portadown.