In Memory

Sr. Agnes O’Dwyer died peacefully in the afternoon of the 31st August 2022 at Strathmore Lodge Nursing Home, Callan Co. Kilkenny.  Present with her were her grandniece, Sisters of St. John of God and nursing staff.

Mary Alice O’Dwyer was born in Ballinacroney, Owning, Co. Kilkenny on 1st October 1928.  She was the youngest of six children born to Patrick and Catherine O’Dwyer nee Phelan.  She completed her primary school education with the Sisters of St. John of God in Owning National School. She received her secondary education in the Mercy Convent, Carrick-on-Suir. Having completed her Leaving Certificate, she then entered the Sisters of St. John of God Novitiate in Wexford on the 3rd October 1947.  At Reception she was given the name Agnes.  She made First Profession 15th April 1950 and Final Profession on 15th April 1953.

Agnes qualified as a State Registered Nurse (SRN) in the County Hospital Wexford.  She qualified as a midwife in the Medical Missionaries of Mary hospital, Drogheda 1963 – 1964.  She nursed in Newry, Torquay, Maypark, Cahercalla, Naas Hospital and Holy Ghost Home, Waterford. Agnes was loved by patients and staff everywhere she worked.  In 1997 she went home to nurse family members.

Agnes was paralysed and used a wheelchair for over 15 years.  She had nursed members of her family in their final illnesses and was in Owning House, preparing to return to Kilkenny Convent, when she experienced a severe stroke in 2007.  Having spent some time in St. Patrick’s Rehabilitation Centre in Waterford, she transferred to Maypark Nursing Home.  An electric wheelchair gave her freedom and a new life.

From Maypark, Agnes transferred to the newly refurbished Kilkenny Convent in 2008.  She enjoyed afternoon trips in her wheelchair to the Convent Garden.  She did not always obey speed limits and she left her mark on many a door!  She enjoyed life to the full and loved company and storytelling. She was a keen observer of nature.  When the Convent in Kilkenny closed Agnes made the decision to go to Strathmore Lodge rather than go to Sallyville House, Wexford, in order to be near her family.  She moved on the 25th September 2017 and was very happy there.  In the last two years of her life, both her lower limbs had to be amputated.  She bore this cross bravely.  At this stage she prayed daily that her final journey would come soon.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Kilkenny by Rev. Roderick Whearty P.P. assisted by Rev. William Dalton P.P. Callan.  She was laid to rest in Foulkstown Cemetery, Kilkenny.

Agnes was preceded by her brothers Patrick, Martin, Canon Andy and sisters Kathleen and Nora.  She is mourned by her niece Joan, nephews Richard and Michael, St. John of God community and many friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilís.