A FERMANAGH World War Two veteran's funeral will take place later today following her passing earlier this week.

The late Mary Frances (Frankie) Hornby (99) died on Tuesday, April 2. 

Late of Lisnaskea, Mrs. Hornby joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) in Belfast a few months before her 18th birthday on leaving school.  

Mrs. Hornby served as a Leading Aircraftwoman when she joined the WAAF, and was posted to the RAF Fighter Station Coverack, in Cornwall, England, to drive officers.

She also drove ambulances to the morgue, and large lorries with supplies.

When she returned to Northern Ireland, Mrs. Hornby was initially based at RAF HQ in Belfast, driving high-ranking officers and RAF padres around the various RAF Stations for Sunday services.

At the end of the war, Mrs. Hornby was posted to Castle Archdale and Killadeas, often visiting the officers' quarters at the Manor House to collect them.

Throughout her service, she spent a total of four years in the WAAF.

Back in 2021, Mrs. Hornby visited her old school, Aghadrumsee Primary School and shared her memories of the war with pupils.

She travelled with Wing Commander Jacqueline Rankin, also a native of Fermanagh, to meet the children and share her inspirational story.

During her visit, a painting by artist David Briggs - commissioned as part of the V. E. Day commemorations in 2020 - was presented to the school depicting Mrs. Hornby.

Impartial Reporter: Aghadrumsee Primary School staff and pupils, pictured with WW2 WAAF veteran Frankie Hornby and RAF Wing Commander Jacqueline Rankin (both seated, centre); right, Frankie with the specially commissioned painting by David Briggs that also includes her.

Mrs. Mary Frances Hornby's funeral will take place tonight (Friday) at 7pm at Dowler's Funeral Home, Main Street, Lisnaskea.