In Memory

Sr. Euphrasia Cadogan R.I.P.

On the evening of Monday, 30th April 2018, Sr. Euphrasia Cadogan S.S.J.G. died peacefully in the care of the Sisters and staff at Sallyville House, Newtown Road, Wexford. In her 98th year, her return home to God came rather suddenly, after a short illness.

Sr. Euphrasia – Margaret Cadogan was born in Chicago, U.S.A. and was the second daughter of Joseph and Margaret Cadogan. Shortly after her birth, the young family returned to Ireland and set up a Drapery and Grocery business in Newbawn, Co. Wexford. From there, Margaret or Peg, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, attended the local Primary School and later the Mercy Secondary School in New Ross. In 1938, having completed secondary education, she and a friend set sail for the St. John of God Novitiate, in Perth, Western Australia. Her friend, Sr. Killian Stafford, who travelled with her, still lives in the Community there.

Sr. Euphrasia was professed in May 1941 and ministered in Perth and Goulburn, before returning to Ireland in 1947, to teach at the Congregation’s Juniorate in Ballinamore, Co. Mayo. When the Juniorate closed, Sr. Euphrasia did Irish Teacher Training at Carysfort College of Education. In the ensuing years, she taught in Wexford, Edenderry, and Rathdowney before transferring to Kilkenny in 1964, where she remained until moving to Sallyville House, Wexford in November 2017.

Euphrasia retired from teaching in 1986.  However, retirement was not in Euphrasia’s thinking. Having been involved voluntarily in the Kilkenny Branch of the Irish Wheelchairs Association since 1965, she now threw herself whole-heartedly into working and fund-raising for the organisation.  She was a great support for all involved in the establishment of Claddagh Court in Kilkenny. She continued to work with the I.W.A. until her health deteriorated a few years ago.

Euphrasia was a woman of strong beliefs and conviction, very practical and caring and always concerned for those who were coping with life’s challenges. She was generous in giving of her time and never considered her own comfort. This was particularly evident in her final years, when her simple living was an inspiration to all, who knew her. A gifted seamstress, she always provided the costumes for school shows during her teaching years.

Sr. Euphrasia’s Requiem Mass, attended by family and friends, was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Kilkenny. Chief celebrant was Very Reverend Roderick Whearty, assisted by Very Rev. Liam Barron, P.P. Mullinavat. Following Mass, Sr. Euphrasia was laid to rest in Foulkstown Cemetery.

She will be sadly missed by her nieces, Peg, Pat and Mary, her nephews Joe and Maurice and their families and her many friends.

May she rest in God’s eternal peace.