In Memory

Sr. Mary Lennon R.I.P.

On the morning of 3rd February 2020, Sr. Mary Lennon died peacefully in the presence of Sisters and Staff at Sallyville House, Wexford. Sr. Mary had been in failing health for some years, but following a stroke some weeks before her death, her health deteriorated rapidly. For her family and the Sisters in the community, there was loss and sadness at her passing, but also a sense of relief that her suffering had ended and she was now at peace.

Sr. Mary – Mary Bridget Lennon was the second of four children born to Thomas and Margaret Lennon (nee Murphy) of Mountain View House, Ballykeeran, Borris, Co. Carlow. She attended the local Primary School and was later a pupil of the Mercy Convent School in Graiguenamanagh. Mary’s mother’s death, while Mary was still in her teens, was very painful for her and her family. In the ensuing years, Mary felt particularly responsible for her younger brother, Michael, who was just one year old when his mother died.

Mary entered the St. John of God Novitiate in Wexford in October 1949 and following her novitiate was professed in May 1952. She did her Nursing Training in Wexford General Hospital and nursed in Parkton Nursing Home and Naas Hospital before training in midwifery at the Medical Missionary Hospital, Drogheda. She then applied her skills in the midwifery units of Cahercalla Nursing Home, Ennis, Co. Clare and Courtenay Hill, Newry for a further thirty years until her retirement from nursing in 1997. She retired to Kilkenny, where she helped in the Altar Bread Dept., taking responsibility for posting orders to the various Parishes. She loved her daily trips to accomplish this ministry and visited many Kilkenny coffee shops in the process!

Mary was a gentle and caring person. She was also a very committed and capable midwife, who was ever ready to give generously of her expertise and energy at any time of the day or night. If there was ever a concern for a mother or baby, Mary would remain on duty until the crisis was resolved. She was kind to her staff and was well liked by them and by her many patients. Every baby born during her watch was “hers” and she was proud of them all!

Mary’s Requiem Mass was celebrated by Very Rev. Peter Muldowney A.P. in St. Patrick’s Church, Kilkenny after which she was laid to rest with her brother, Fr. John, in Foulkstown Cemetery.

Mary is survived by her sister Anne, Holy Faith Sisters, Glasnevin, her brother, Michael, Ballsbridge, her nephews Albert and Alexander, grand-nephews, Raymond and Aonghus, grand-nieces Siomha and Caoileann, her St. John of God Sisters, extended family and many friends.

  May her gentle soul rest in peace