A Portadown community is mourning the passing a much‑loved mother, sister, grandmother and dedicated Portadown FC supporter described by many as “one in a million”.
Deborah Hutchinson passed away peacefully in Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry, on Monday, October 5 – just one day shy of her 64th birthday.
Deborah, late of Abercorn Park, Portadown, was the devoted mum of Lauren, mother‑in‑law of Jay and cherished granny of Logan. She was a treasured sister of Margaret, Daphne, Pamela and Kenneth, and sister‑in‑law of Sara and Brian. She will also be very sadly missed by her former partner, Billy.
Portadown Football Club paid a warm tribute, describing Deborah as a “much‑loved Portadown supporter and former volunteer”.
In a statement, the club said: “Portadown Football Club would like to extend its deepest sympathies following the passing of Deborah Hutchinson. Deborah was a much-loved Portadown supporter and former volunteer, who gave her time and support to the club over the years. Our thoughts are with Deborah’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
Hundreds of messages have been posted by friends, neighbours, former colleagues and fellow supporters, remembering Deborah. The breadth of tributes are a mark and true reflection of her character – full of humour, compassion, love; everything you would want in a family member and a friend.
Former colleagues from Craigavon Senior High School recalled her as “one of the best lunch supervisors… always up for a chat and a good laugh”, with many remembering “the most infectious laugh” and how she “always looked after” pupils.
Others from the football community described her as “a great woman and Portadown FC legend” who enjoyed “many good times with the senior women’s team”, and “such a lovely woman… if you ever needed someone to make you smile, Deborah was the person”.
Friends spoke of “many a good chat and a laugh” when she was out walking her dog Cooper, saying she was “one of a kind”, “had a true heart of gold”, and “always had time to stop for a chat”.
One tribute summed up the feeling of many: “She was one in a million… always full of craic, with the biggest heart. What a wonderful lady gone too soon.”
Another added: “She supported me when I played for Portadown and was always there for me when I worked at the Senior High. She loved the craic in the staff room and always brought so much warmth and laughter with her.”
Deborah’s family, friends, colleagues – many from the old Mayfair factory – and all who knew her will remember her as an “absolute lady”, full of fun, kindness and community spirit.
Family and friends are welcome to call at Deborah’s home in Abercorn Park on Tuesday and Wednesday between 4pm and 8pm.
A funeral service will take place on Thursday at 12.30pm in First Portadown Presbyterian Church, with committal following in Seagoe Cemetery.
Family flowers only are requested. Donations, if desired, are for the benefit of Air Ambulance NI and Macmillan Cancer Support via www.milnefuneralservices.co.uk/donate or by calling 028 3833 8888.
Deborah is “very deeply regretted and sadly missed by the entire family circle”.
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