In Memory

Sr. Jacinta Keating R.I.P.

The Sisters of St. John of God at Sallyville House experienced deep sadness recently on the death of Sr. Jacinta Keating R.I.P. Sr. Jacinta had been in failing health for some time, but her condition deteriorated rapidly during the last few weeks of her life. Through her illness, she was lovingly tended by members of her family, the St. John of God Sisters and very specially by the nurses and carers at Sallyville House. She went home to her eternal reward very peacefully on the morning of 15th May.

Sr. Jacinta – Brigid Keating, was the youngest of eight children born to Patrick and Elizabeth Keating, Coolree, Ballindaggin. She had two brothers and five sisters, three of whom have pre-deceased her. In her early childhood she had a serious accident. This necessitated long-stay hospitalisation, which was a great source of pain for her and her family. Brigid attended the local school in Ballindaggin and Mercy, Enniscorthy, before entering the St. John of God Novitiate in Wexford in 1955. There she joined her two sisters – Sr. Joachina and Sr. Christina, who had entered before her. She was professed in May 1958, and celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of her profession just two days before her death.

During her years of active life, Jacinta ministered in various Houses of the Congregation – Wexford, Waterford, Thomastown, Owning, Aut Even and Edenderry. She returned to Wexford to St. Brigid’s Day Care Centre in 1993 and continued in that ministry until her retirement in 2004. In many of her assignments she was very involved with the local St. Vincent de Paul Society and with the Sue Ryder Foundation.

Jacinta’s main ministry was in catering. She was a very competent cook and kitchen supervisor and a gracious hostess. In her earlier years she was witty and had a good sense of humour. Ill health took its toll in recent times and she was less able for the banter.

Sr. Jacinta’s Requiem Mass, attended by family and friends, was celebrated in Sallyville House. Chief Celebrant was Very Rev. Jim Fegan P.P. Ballindaggin. Very Rev. Denis Lennon P.P. Clonard and Very Rev. Hugh O’Byrne, retired P.P. Blackwater were con-celebrants. Following Mass Sr. Jacinta’s remains were laid to rest in the Convent cemetery.

Sr. Jacinta is sadly missed by her sisters Kathy (Atkinson) and Sr. Christina SSJG, her brothers Mike, (Coolree, Ballindaggin) and Owen (Arizona), by her nieces, nephews, their families and her many friends.

May she rest in God’s eternal peace