Murder Victim.
Joanne was working as a part time "census enumerator" when she was shot dead in Anderson Crescent, Gobnascale, Waterside, Derry, Northern Ireland. This was during an extremely dangerous time of the Northern Iteland "troubles" - tension was high due to Republican Hunger Strikers dying in Long Kesh Prison. The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) had warned that census workers should stay away from Republican areas. Although disputed at the time, it is now generally accepted that Joanne had received assurances from local Republicans that she would be safe. However it was not to be and she was shot dead by a hooded gunman. PIRA later accepted responsibility.
Joanne, who lived with her farmer husband and two year old child, had gained a 1st Class Honours Degree from Queen's University, Belfast and was doing the part time work for extra money. Her death caused revulsion in the Catholic/Nationalist community.
Since 1983, a special Joanne MATHERS Memorial Award has been awarded annually by the Dept. Education and Environment in recognition of Her work as a town planner before her marriage.
She died aged just 29 years.

Murder Victim.
Joanne was working as a part time "census enumerator" when she was shot dead in Anderson Crescent, Gobnascale, Waterside, Derry, Northern Ireland. This was during an extremely dangerous time of the Northern Iteland "troubles" - tension was high due to Republican Hunger Strikers dying in Long Kesh Prison. The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) had warned that census workers should stay away from Republican areas. Although disputed at the time, it is now generally accepted that Joanne had received assurances from local Republicans that she would be safe. However it was not to be and she was shot dead by a hooded gunman. PIRA later accepted responsibility.
Joanne, who lived with her farmer husband and two year old child, had gained a 1st Class Honours Degree from Queen's University, Belfast and was doing the part time work for extra money. Her death caused revulsion in the Catholic/Nationalist community.
Since 1983, a special Joanne MATHERS Memorial Award has been awarded annually by the Dept. Education and Environment in recognition of Her work as a town planner before her marriage.
She died aged just 29 years.