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Ena was born in Banbridge in 1929, the 4th of 6 children to John and Ann Smyth.
After attending Milltown Primary School in Lenaderg, Ena went to work in Brookfield Mill in Banbridge. She didn’t like school.
Ena’s great passion in life was dancing and it was at the Castle Ballroom in Banbridge that she met her husband Emoile. They ‘eloped’ and went to Derby in England where Emoile’s sister Nellie lived. They married in Derby Cathedral. Although Emoile gained employment there, Ena was homesick so they returned to Gilford where they set up home at the ‘Red Row’. They later moved to Castleview and then, after Emoile’s illness they moved to their present home on Castle Hill 22 years ago, where unfortunately Emoile passed away after only one week.
Ena had many great qualities and was obviously adored by her family and her grandchildren. She was a very strong person and held the family together. The famous quote ‘she wouldn’t see a man in her road’ could definitely be said of her. She loved to go shopping, especially on the bus! She loved people; she loved craic, fashion and jewellery. When her grand children would come to show off their latest jewellery acquisition, they often left without it – Ena had talked so much about it they felt they had to ‘hand it over’! Music was also something she enjoyed but only to dance to. The one word that everyone used when talking about her, was DANCING.
A non-smoker and a non-drinker, Ena was the life and soul of every gathering she attended – and often the last to leave. She was the ‘old school’ type - no time for modern entertainment, such as the T.V. She preferred people and would have visited Viola’s hairdressing salon in Gilford every day – just for the craic. Her best friend Kathleen’s house was her second home and she visited there every night. She was part of the furniture.
After a fall five years ago, Ena lost her confidence and would not have been seen out and about as much – in fact the bus drivers would have commented how much they missed her on the bus!
About a year ago, Ena became bedridden and it was on Tuesday 6th January that her gentle soul passed away.
Entrance Hymn: Here I am, Lord
FIRST READING:
The wisdom of God has pitched her tent among the chosen people.
Wisdom speaks her own praises,
in the midst of her people she glories in herself.
She opens her mouth in the assembly of the Most High,
she glories in herself in the presence of the Mighty One;
Then the creator of all things instructed me,
and he who created me fixed a place for my tent.
He said, “Pitch your tent in Jacob,
make Israel your inheritance”.
From eternity, in the beginning,
he created me, and for eternity I shall remain.
I ministered before him in the holy tabernacle,
and thus was I established on Zion.
In the beloved city he has given me rest,
and in Jerusalem I wield my authority.
I have taken root in a privileged people,
in the Lord’s property, in his inheritance.
The word of the LordThanks be to God.
Psalm - On Eagle’s Wings (Sung)
SECOND READING:
Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us, by letting us be called God's children; and that is what we are.
Because the world refused to acknowledge him, therefore it does not acknowledge us. My dear people, we are already the children of God but what we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed;
all we know is, that when it is revealed we shall be like him
because we shall see him as he really is.
The word of the LordThanks be to God
Gospel Acclamation (Sung)
Alleluia, Alleluia
I am the resurrection and the life,
says the Lord,
whoever believes in me will never die.
Alleluia!
Gospel Homily
Prayer of the Faithful
Fr. Crossan: God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that everyone who
believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. Therefore, let us pray to him
with confidence.
Response: Lord, graciously hear us.
1.For Ena, who now shares in the joy of the kingdom where pain and suffering have no home. Lord, hear us.
2.We pray for all who mourn for Ena, especially her children Martin, Christopher, Gary and Ann, her sisters May, Belle and Sandra and the entire family circle. May God comfort and console them and give them strength and healing in the days ahead. Lord, hear us.
3.For all who cared for Ena in her illness, especially Dr. Logan, the District Nurses, the Home Care Team and the staff of 1 South in Craigavon Hospital. May the Lord bless and reward all who care for life at its weakest moments. Lord, hear us
4.We pray for the dead and we remember especially Ena’s parents, John and Ann Smyth and her brothers Billy and Jacob. May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace. Lord, hear us.
5.We now pray for our own special intentions. Lord, hear us.
Fr. Crossan: Lord, may you support us all day long, till the shadows lengthen and
evening falls, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our
work is done; then in your mercy, Lord, grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and
peace at last. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen
Offertory Procession
Offertory Hymn: With joy and love
Communion Hymns: I watch the sunrise
The Old Rugged Cross
FINAL COMMENDATION
Final Hymn: How Great Thou Art
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