In Memory

Sr. Eithne McHale R.I.P.

Following the illness bravely bourne, Sr. Eithne passed away peacefully on 1st August 2017 in the loving care of the Sisters and staff at St. John of God Convent, Kilkenny.

Eithne, (Margaret Mary) was born in Straide, Castlebar, Co. Mayo on the 12th June 1940.  When she was a year old, the family moved to Paddinstown, Kilcock, Co. Meath.  Her parents were Thomas and Mary (nee Roache) McHale.  One of a family of six, Eithne had one brother and four sisters.  She was predeceased by her brother Pat, her twin sister Kitty, and sisters Bridget and Nora.  She is deeply regretted by her sister Helen, sister-in-law Kathleen, brothers-in-law Joe and Pete, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives, friends and her sisters in community.

Eithne entered St. John of God Novitiate, Wexford on 1st January 1958.  She made her First Profession on 10th May 1961 and her Final Profession on 1st January 1964.  On completion of her Nursing Training at the County Hospital in Wexford in December 1968, Eithne continued nursing there until 1972.  At this time, she went to Drogheda for training in Midwifery.  Having completed that course she transferred to Cahercalla, Co. Clare where she worked in the maternity unit until 1979.  She was then appointed as Theatre Sister to Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny, a position she held until 1997 when she availed of a well earned sabbatical at Milltown Institute, Dublin.

Not one to retire from Ministry, Eithne undertook the Management of the Altar Bread Department in Kilkenny, a position she held until ill health took its tool.

Eithne was meticulous in whatever Ministry she undertook, whether on the Labour Ward, in Theatre or in the Altar Bread Department.

Eithne’s Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church Kilkenny on the 3rd August 2017.  Chief Celebrant was Fr. Mark Condon and Concelebrants Fr. Dan Carroll, Fr. Pat Comerford, Fr. Gerard Doyle (Mill Hill), Fr. John O’Connell (Mill Hill), Fr. Joseph Lubula (Uganda) and Fr. Willie Purcell.

Her burial took place at St. Joseph’s Church Kilcock, Co. Meath, where she was laid to rest with her twin sister Kitty who died in 1984.  We thank God for all Eithne gave so generously throughout her life and we pray that she now enjoys the fullness of life with God.