In Memory

Sr. Baptiste Casey R.I.P.

Sr. Baptiste (Vera) Casey was born in Rinneen, Corofin, Co. Clare on the 1st of May, 1920.

Her parents were Catherine (nee Kelly) and Patrick Casey.  She had six brothers, Michael, James, Thomas, Patrick, Sean and Timothy and one sister Margaret.  Her mother died at the young age of 41 years, leaving the children in the care of their father, Patrick.  Baptiste was the last surviving member of that generation but she is survived by many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews (49 in all!).

Baptiste entered the St. John of God Novitiate, Ballinamore, Co. Mayo on the 11th of February, 1944.  She made her First Profession on the 25th November, 1946 and her Final Profession on the 25th November, 1949.  Her ambition was to be an Australian Missionary.  However before she was to leave for Australia, she was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which required major surgery.  It was many years later in 1973 before she finally set foot in Australia where she remained for a short period.

In the intervening years Baptiste ministered in various capacities including clerical work, Pastoral Care, Formation, and administration in Ballinamore.  She ministered in Rome and Cahercalla in the 1970’s.  She also ministered in Ballymote, Co. Sligo where she remained until its closure in 2012.  Then she transferred to St. John of God Convent, Kilkenny where she was lovingly cared for by the Sisters and Carers.  Baptiste died peacefully on 24th June, 2014.

Baptiste will be remembered as an outgoing friendly person with a great sense of humour.  She loved music and enjoyed playing her keyboard.  She was a great organiser and so caring and hospitable to Sisters and visitors alike.  When illness came to family members she took time out to care for them.  She never forgot birthdays and loved occasions  and celebrations when there would be a gathering of the clan.  Above all she was a woman of deep prayer.

Her Requiem Mass was concelebrated at St. Patrick’s Church.  Chief celebrant was Fr. Dan Carroll, celebrants were Fr. Tony Cahir, Fr. Sean O’Donohoe, OFM, Fr. O’Neill and Fr. Patrick Ryan.  Baptiste was laid to rest in Foulkstown Cemetry.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dhílis