In Memory

Sr. Catalina Camara R.I.P.

On Tuesday, 14th October, 2014, Sr. Ctalina Camara went home to her eternal reward.  Even though she had been suffering from cancer for some years, she never wanted to be a burden on anyone and so remained independent until just the last week of her life.

Sr. Catalina was born in Peru but always considered England her home.  She moved there early in her life and was very proud when she received an English Passport.

It was while nursing in Manor Park Hospital in Bristol, that Catalina first encountered the Sisters of St. John of God.  She used to attend Mass in the Convent Chapel and always felt the Sisters looked happy!  That influenced her decision to join the Congregation.  She also became friendly with Sr. Margaret Kennedy, whom she met in that same Hopsital.

She entered the St. John of God Novitiate in September, 1973 and made First Profession in August, 1976 and Final Profession on 23rd July, 1983.  Following her Final Profession, Catalina nursed in Maypark, Aut Even, Torquay and Bristol.  She also spent three years in the Irish College, Rome, which she loved.  Following this, she returned to parish work in Cardiff.  When the Sisters left Cardiff in 2000, Catalina moved to John’s Hill, Waterford, where she became involved in Voluntary Social Work for a further eleven years.  She retired to the Convent in Wexford in January, 2011.

Catalina was friendly and helpful to all with whom she came in contact.  She was a gentle, kind and caring nurse and was well liked by both patients and staff in various places where she ministered.  Confidentiality was very important to her.  She was private, retiring and peace-loving and never spoke negatively of anyone.  When things when wrong, she simply said “Oh crumbs”!  She was quite a competent mechanic and always had the tool-box at hand, when something went out of order!  She enjoyed travel and visiting new places and in her mischievious moments she loved to play the odd practical joke!

Catalina showed great strength, courage and faith during her final illness.  Her requeim Mass was celebrated by Right Rev. Monsignor Lory Kehoe, Community Chaplain.  Concelebrants were Rev. Raymond Liddane, Waterford and Rev. James Fegan, Adm, Wexford Town.  She is buried in the Convent Cemetry, Newtown Road, Wexford.  May her gentle soul rest in peace.