In Memory

Sr. Alphonsus Walsh R.I.P.

On Wednesday, the 11th of January 2017, Sr. Alphonsus Walsh surrendered to God’s Call and slipped away peacefully to her Eternal Home.  She had been ill and confined to bed for a short time prior to her death.

Alphonsus was born on 26th June 1923 in Mong, Thomastown.  She was reared in Bootstown, Freshford, Co. Kilkenny.  She was an only girl and her Baptismal name was Mary.  She was pre-deceased by all of her brothers, John, Edward and Richard.  Over the years Alphonsus remained very close to her nephew Richard and her niece Elaine.  She dearly loved her grand-nephew and grand-nieces and enjoyed their playful ways when they came to visit her and she was greatly loved by them.

Alphonsus entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Saint John of God on the 8th September 1940.  She made her First Profession on the 30th June 1943.  Following her final profession on 13th June 1946 she trained in domestic economy, a qualification which she much appreciated and used generously all through her life.

She ministered in St. John’s Enniscorthy, Wexford for three years and in the Haughton Hospital, New Ross, Co. Wexford for seven years.  She was assigned to the Irish College in Rome where she spent 4 years, and following time in the Convent in Wexford, she spent a further 7 years in Rome.

Later she spent 7 years in Rockwell College, CSSP, Co. Tipperary and 3 years in St. Colman’s College, Newry, Co. Down.  In all of the colleges her presence and ministry were much appreciated and she is still spoken of with great gratitude and praise for her competence and her kindness.

She went to Kilkenny Convent in 1981 and helped Sisters and staff, taking on many duties.  She committed herself wholeheartedly to each task.  She was most hospitable and gracious to all she encountered daily.  She was loved by all and affectionately known as “Alphie”.

In 1991, when she took full retirement, she continued to enjoy doing some needlework, at which she always excelled and which was much admired.  Alphonsus loved singing and music and always enjoyed and contributed to celebratory gatherings in the community.  She loved the beauty of nature and enjoyed her daily walks in the garden until age began to limit her activities.  She was a woman of great faith and prayer.  During community prayers and liturgies, she contributed joyfully to singing God’s praises in full voice.  She faithfully joined the community for silent prayer and adoration right up to the end of her life.

Her requiem Mass was concelebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Kilkenny.  The Chief Celebrant was Fr. Roderick Whearty, Parish Priest.  The concelebrants were Msgr. M. Ryan, Fr. Frawley, CSSP representing Rockwell College and Fr. P. Comerford, PP Freshford.  Following requiem Mass, Alphonsus was laid to rest in Foulkstown Cemetery, Kilkenny.

We thank God for her life and goodness.

May her gentle soul rest now in God’s Eternal Love.