Tributes paid after passing of 'Armagh Belle' Elsie Pearson

TRIBUTES have been paid to a lady described as one of ‘Armagh’s legendary figures.

Elsie Pearson, a larger than life figure around Armagh, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday.

She was a well known figure at Armagh Royal British Legion, where head bar steward Joeanne Chin described her as the ‘Armagh Belle’.

Joeanne went on, “Elsie always had a lovely big smile on her face, loved the music, dancing and telling us her poems.

“It was a real pleasure to have had such a fantastic friendship with Elsie, myself and all her friends at Armagh Royal British Legion will sadly miss her.”

Armagh Cricket Club also paid tribute stating they were ‘heartbroken to hear of the passing of dear Elsie’.

They said, “One of Armagh’s legendary figures who charmed us so many times with her poetry, class and character, not to mention her sensational sense of style.

“She will be loved and remembered by many. Thoughts with her family circle.”

And at the Hole in the Wall Bar they said, “We are absolutely devastated to hear the news that our wonderful friend Elsie has passed away.

“She truly was one of a kind, always a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone.

“It was only a few weeks ago when our friend Dessie passed away that she was being her wonderful self, entertaining the customers with stories and poems and keeping the craic going.

“As a pub family we will miss her dearly and personally my heart is broken.

“She will be forever a lady that will never be forgotten.”

Elsie was well known for her colourful sense of style and larger than life personality, with a broad smile and infectious laugh she was highly regarded as a real character in the city.

A family death notice stated she had passed away ‘peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family’ on Saturday, May 18.

She was the loving mother of Belinda and John, grandmother of Lauren, Hannah, great-nanna of Lola, Frazer, mother in law of Roisin and the late Russ.

Elsie will be reposing at J.J. McArdle’s Funeral Home on Monday from 2.00pm to 5.00pm and 6.30pm to 8.00pm,

A celebration of Elsie life will be in Lakelands Crematorium on Tuesday at 12noon.

Very deeply regretted by her sorrowing family circle and friends.

J.J. McArdle & Sons 37 Thomas St. Armagh are handling the funeral arrangements.