A much loved mother and grandmother, Mrs. Phyl Brewster, wife of the late Michael, late of Menapian Way, Dublin Road, Enniskillen, has died - causing much sadness among her family and friends. 

Phyl, a highly regarded teacher at St. Fanchea’s College, Enniskillen, for many years, passed away at home on November 10, 2017, after being ill for just over one year. She dealt with her illness with great dignity and the typical tenacity she had shown throughout her life.

Phyl was a daughter of Tom and Eileen Campbell from the Curragh in Co. Kildare. She was one of 12 children. Tom was an Army Officer based in the Curragh camp. Phyl moved to Fintona in Co. Tyrone when she was four with her sister Mary and lived with her two aunts, Kitty and Susie.

They were educated in Fintona Primary School and Omagh Convent. It was in Omagh where she met her husband to be, Michael Brewster. 
Phyl also went to University in Southampton, England, where she trained to be a teacher. She spent her whole career teaching in St Fanchea’s College in Enniskillen. She taught history for almost 39 years, retiring in time to see all her grandchildren arrive. 

Phyl and Michael Brewster were married in 1970 and had three children; Paul, Joanne and Tom. 

Initially the family lived at Hillview before moving to Menapian Way. 
Michael sadly passed away in July 1979.

A very active figure, she enjoyed dance classes with her good friend Una Lunny. She took a keen interest in art throughout her life and in her latter years she produced her own pieces. She loved to shop and always had a reputation in St. Fanchea’s for being the most stylish teacher with her extensive shoe collection.

Phyl devoted her life to her kids, supporting them through all their endeavours. She loved Gaelic football and in particular Enniskillen Gaels and Fermanagh. She was one of the founder members of the original Fermanagh supporters’ club, created during Hugh McCabe’s time in charge of Fermanagh.

She also had a great interest following her daughter Joanne rowing for Enniskillen and Queen’s University.

Phyl fought her illness in the same way she led her whole life; with great determination, a positive attitude and selflessness.

Whilst her family always came first she loved her teaching profession and always looked out for those she had taught in her 39 years at St. Fanchea’s.

Fr Raymond Donnelly led the funeral service in St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen where her eldest brother Michael Campbell sang the music.
Phyl is survived by her three children; Paul, Joanne and Tom and 10 grandchildren.

Her family would like to thank everyone for their support and kind words over the past few weeks. They acknowledge that her close friends, St. Fanchea’s colleagues, community nursing staff and extended family were very supportive throughout her illness and since her passing. They would also like to thank Enniskillen Gaels and extended GAA community for their support.

During the prizegiving at St. Fanchea’s College, last Wednesday, Acting Principal Mr. Maurice Collins said he felt it was important that night for their school community to pay their respects to Mrs. Brewster, their “much loved colleague”, who taught history in St. Fanchea’s College for many years. 

He said: “She was a devoted teacher, she always expected the highest of standards from her pupils and colleagues and she was deeply respected in return. She was always child-centred in her approach, she went out of her way to take a deep interest in each of her pupil’s needs, aspirations and interests.”

He went on to say: “Phyl embodied the pupil centred ethos at Saint Fanchea’s College, she always had a clear sense of ‘what should be’ and was central in framing the values which shape the culture of the college. She was the ‘go-to’ person for staff – a brilliant trustworthy colleague – always there to lend a supportive ear and give encouragement and guidance when needed. She will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.”