Killyclogher community remembers a much-loved teacher

THE Killyclogher community has been united in grief following the death of Joan McKinney, a much-loved and highly respected teacher who devoted more than 25 years to nurturing generations of Primary One children at St Mary’s Primary School.

Joan, who lived on Strathroy Road, passed away on April 12 after a period of illness, prompting an outpouring of sorrow across the area. Her Requiem Mass in Christ the King Church on Monday was attended by large numbers of family, friends, former colleagues, and past pupils.

Having first joined the school on teaching practice, Joan secured a full-time post in 1978 and remained there until her retirement in 2004. Across nearly three decades in the classroom, she became known for her warm, gentle approach and her deep commitment to helping each child reach their potential.

“Joan loved teaching because she loved the children in her classes,” Fr Declan McGeehan told mourners. “She remembered them all by name and would stop and chat with them years later. Many former pupils have shared how she inspired them – some even followed in her footsteps into the teaching profession.”

He described her as a woman with a ‘big heart’, whose natural sincerity and love of people meant that even a quick trip to town for messages could turn into a social occasion.

“Joan was genuine and sincere in all her relationships. That sincerity endeared her to so many people and ensured that friendships, once made, endured a lifetime.”

After completing her teacher training in Nottingham in the early 1970s, Joan returned home to Killyclogher and never left – spending her life surrounded by family, friends and former pupils.

Mourners were also told how Joan’s deep faith had given her comfort and strength in recent months, until her passing last week.

Joan was predeceased by her brother Declan and is survived by her siblings Frances, Kate, Pat (Mona), John (Anne), Gillian, Leo (Elaine) and Mary.

Funeral arrangements were carried out by J Maguire Funeral Directors, Omagh.