A LATE, former WAAF veteran has been fondly remembered by her family who have described her as “the queen of our hearts”.

The late Mrs. Carrie Hall (97) passed away on March 29 at the Tilery Nursing Home in Florencecourt.

Sarah Caroline Jeannette Balfour – known to all as ‘Carrie’ – was born on February 20, 1925.

A daughter of Lucinda and Albert Balfour, she was predeceased by her sister, Gladys Hilary, and lived at Fargrim, Newtownbutler and attended Midhill Primary School.

Describing Carrie’s early life, her daughter, Jeannette, said: “When mum was just 12 years old, her mother passed away, and she came to live with relatives – James and Janie Reynold in Derryvore, near Teemore.

“She spent many happy years helping in the home and on the farm.”

During World War II, Carrie joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) at 17 and a half. This took her all across the UK and at home she was mainly based at the Manor House, Killadeas, where she worked in catering.

Jeanette said: “She often recalled the many times she cycled the long distance from Derryvore to the [RAF] base at Killadeas.

“She loved to reminisce about the places she was based at throughout the UK. Having completed her WAAF training in Morecambe, Lancashire, and Gillingham in Kent, she travelled by train to Wick in Scotland, to Haverford West in Wales and Church Fenton, Yorkshire.”

After the war years, Carrie returned to Derryvore, and on November 20, 1951 she married George Joseph ‘Joe’ Hall in Holy Trinity Church, Crom.

Joe and Carrie lived at Knockaraven, Derrylin along with Joe’s mother, where they ran the local Post Office and a small farm.

They had three daughters – Jeanette, Myrtle and Freda – but sadly lost two children in infancy, Hilary and Ronald, Freda’s twin brother.

Carrie served many years in the post office alongside Joe. Jeanette said: “She took on the running of the Post Office in Knockaraven when Joe was appointed Sub-Postmaster in Derrylin; both retired in 1988.

Jeanette continued: “Following retirement, they moved to Teemore, where Joe passed away in 1994. She especially looked forward to visits and phone calls from her grandchildren, Sarah-Jane, Roy, Mark, Joanna and Rachael.”

Carrie was proud of her military service and in 2020, as part of VE celebrations, she received recognition for her service during the war from Her Majesty The Queen in the form of a framed certificate, a phone call from now Dame Arlene Foster, and letters from Lord Brookeborough, the local Royal Air Forces Association, and various other dignitaries.

Jeanette said: “For many years, mum felt honoured to be asked to lay the wreath on Remembrance Sunday. Her strong Christian faith and values, along with her very positive outlook, guided her throughout her life’s journey.”

Carrie remained in Teemore until 2019, where she then moved into the Tilery Nursing Home, where she was very happy and content.

Jeanette added: “She was very rarely seen without a wordsearch book in her hand.”

The entire family would like to acknowledge their thanks to the Tilery Nursing Home management and staff for their care of Carrie.

Remembering her mother, Jeanette said: “She had a generous nature, always ready to make sacrifices to help out whenever she could. Most of all, she will be remembered for that twinkle in her eye and friendly smile which endeared her to everyone she met.”

Carrie’s funeral took place at Holy Trinity Church, Crom on April 2, and was conducted by Rev. Alastair Donaldson.

Hymns included, What a Friend we have in Jesus, Psalm 121, and How Great Thou Art. A reading was read by her granddaughters, Rachael Burleigh, and along with granddaughter Sarah-Jane Saunderson both carried the coffin.

Carrie was pre-deceased by her son-in-law, Gus Burleigh, in January, 2012. Sadly, some family members were unable to attend due to Covid including granddaughter, Joanna, and husband, David Leigh-Bedford.

Her son-in-law, Billy Saunderson, Canada, was present; however, sadly her grandsons Roy and Mark – who live in Canada – were unable to attend.

Crom Church was always a special place to Carrie, explained Jeanette: “Having worshipped there from her early years, she was married there, and enjoyed many family occasions there. The last occasion being Joanne and David's wedding in 2017.

“Throughout the years when Carrie was no longer able to attend church, she greatly appreciated the many pastoral visits and support she received from Rev. Alastair Donaldson and previous rectors – Rev. Andrew Quill, The Ven. George Davison (now Bishop of Connor), The Rev. Canon Paul Hoey, the late Rev. Canon Percy Kenny, Rev. Tanya Woods, and Rev. Canon Walter Quill.

The late Mrs. Carrie Hall’s remains left Crom Church to journey to her final resting place in the adjoining churchyard to the tune of ‘The Dam Busters March’, played by organist, Mrs. Lorraine Clarke.

One week after the funeral, Mr. Selwyn Johnston laid a wreath at her graveside, on behalf of the Fermanagh Branch, Royal Air Forces Association.