"Angela was so much fun, she was loving and gave so much of herself. We miss her dearly at NWRC and I am delighted that this bench has been installed which will ensure Angela’s legacy will endure.”
Samantha TraynorNWRC
North West Regional College (NWRC) has unveiled a bench in the front garden at Strabane Campus, in memory of campus manager Angela McConnell.
Angela, who worked at the college for 25 years, was formerly a registered nurse before changing careers and moving into the education sector. She passed away in 2019 following a short illness.
Gillian Moss, Head of Client Services at NWRC said: “Christmas at Strabane Campus was a very special time for Angela, so it gives us great joy to unveil the memorial bench for Angela at the front of the campus under the tree.
“We hope that staff members will visit the bench and take a moment to reflect upon the incredible contributions Angela made during her time as Campus Manager. It will serve as a physical reminder of her dedication, leadership, and the positive influence she had on our staff, students, and the campus.”
Children from Holy Cross College and Knockavoe attended Strabane campus on Tuesday to sing and play their part in the event. Angela had strong connections with both colleges and served on the Governing Body of Knockavoe School.
Samantha Traynor, Angela’s best friend, and Head of Training and Skills at NWRC, said Angela’s commitment to helping young people in the North West will never be forgotten.
“Angela McConnell was something special,” she said. "Her leadership of our Strabane Campus resulted in many people being able to improve their skills and their lives. Angela was so much fun, she was loving and gave so much of herself. We miss her dearly at NWRC and I am delighted that this bench has been installed which will ensure Angela’s legacy will endure.”
Rachel McConnell, Angela’s daughter, who attended the unveiling with her brothers Barry and Mark, revealed that her mum would have become a granny this year with the birth of her granddaughter Cadhla.
“Mammy had a heart of gold,” she said. “She loved her job, and even when she wasn’t supposed to be working, she was working. There are so many things she did to help students, not only with their studies but to support them in their lives. The well-being of the students was just as important as their academic success.
“It’s lovely to think that four years after she died people still think of her so fondly. I think she’d love the idea that this bench is somewhere where staff and students can go and have a quiet moment. On behalf of my Dad John, and the rest of our family, we would like to thank NWRC for this lovely gesture. “
The memorial bench at Strabane in memory of Angela McConnell.
Back row: L-R Samantha Traynor, Angela’s niece Jade, Angela’s two brothers Terence and Aidan Logue. Front row: L- R Angela’s children: Mark, Rachel, and Barry with baby granddaughter Cadhla.
