In Memory

Sr. Carmel Dunphy R.I.P.

Sr. Carmel died peacefully in the loving care of the Sisters and Staff of Sallyville House on 20th July 2024.  She is sadly missed by all in Sallyville House.

Carmel was born in Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny on 16th July 1927 to Kathleen (nee O’Mara) and Patrick Dunphy.  She is predeceased by her sisters Clare Treacy, Noreen Kirwan and brother Don.  Carmel is sadly missed by her nieces and nephews; Anne and Maureen; Mary, Mairead, Nuala and Seamus; Denise and Anthony; Diane, Theresa and Mark, her nephews-in-law, nieces-in-law, cousins, extended family and friends.

Carmel’s earlier education was at Boollyglass National School and Loreto Secondary School, Gorey, Co. Wexford.

She entered the St. John of God Novitiate on 26/4/1946 and made First Profession on 01/12/1948 receiving the name Francesca.  She made Final Profession on 01/12/1951.

Carmel qualified as an SRN in Wexford Co. Hospital and Mercy Hospital, Cork.  She completed her RM training in Liverpool Maternity Hospital.  She qualified as a Nurse Tutor in UCD and did Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training in The Mater Hospital, Dublin.

Carmel’s ability led her to a variety of nursing positions, in Waterford, Naas, Newry, Torquay and Ely Hospitals.  She had vast missionary experience in Adazi and Umuchu Nigeria as nurse and tutor during the Biafran war.  On her return to Ireland she took up a management role in Wexford County Hospital for ten years.

After a long nursing career, Carmel ministered as Hospital Chaplain in Newry for ten years. She returned to Wexford Convent as Community Leader for six years until 1997.  She continued to have a very active role in the community and the local parish until her health failed.  In 2017 she moved to Sallyville House and enjoyed the companionship of the community and the regular visits and contacts with family and friends.  Her sense of joy was her gift and it helped in many a ‘sticky’ situation!

While reposing in Sallyville House chapel it was noticeable the number of former colleagues and friends who came to pay their respects and share stories after so many years.

Sr. Carmel’s Funeral Mass was celebrated by her cousins Fr. John Dunphy and Fr. Noel Dunphy.  They were joined by Fr. John O’Reilly former County Hospital Chaplain.  She was buried in the Convent Cemetery, Newtown Road, Wexford.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilís.