In Memory

Sr. Catherine Dempsey R.I.P.

Sr. Catherine (Katie) Dempsey was born in Mountain Ego, Whitechurch, New Ross, Co Wexford in 23rd July 1923.   Her parents were Julia Power and James Dempsey, both of Whitechurch.  She attended Ballykelly National School.  Catherine entered St John of God Novitiate, Wexford on 3rd October 1941,  made her First Profession on 24th September 1944 and her Final Profession on 24th September 1947.

Catherine was one of a family of thirteen, having six brothers and six sisters.   Two of her sisters also entered religious life; Lila, who entered the Poor Clares, Newry, and Alice who also became a Sister of St. John of God.   Two of her nieces, Sr. Sheila Murphy (Australia) and Sr. Anne Murphy (Newry) are also Sisters of St. John of God.   Catherine is survived by her brother Michael and her sisters, Lila and Alice.

Catherine worked in catering for most of her religious life.  Her influence of goodness was felt by many people in the communities where she lived and worked be it in Kilmore, Gorey, Naas, Maypark, Kilkenny or in Wexford.   She retired to Wexford Convent in 1991 where she became involved in prayer ministry in the Charismatic movement, in helping the poor and in praying with her relatives.   Catherine had a child-like simplicity and a ready wit.  She was a very caring person and empathised with people in trouble.

Catherine died peacefully on 21st January, 2009.  Her Requiem Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rowe St, was concelebrated by Fr. Aodhan Marken, Monsignor L. Kehoe (representing Bishop Brennan), Fr. Noel Hartley and Fr. Michael O’Shea.  Her remains were interred in the Convent cemetery, Wexford.  May her gentle soul rest in peace in that place where there is no more sorrow or pain but life eternal with God.