In Memory

Sr. Gemma Martin R.I.P.

Sr. Gemma Martin was born in Kildoon, Nurney, Co Kildare on 9th January 1922.  She was christened Alice Teresa.  Her parents were Katherine (nee Ball) and John Joseph Martin.  She was predeceased by her brothers, John Joseph, Brendan, Anthony and her sister, Carmel.  She is survived by her sisters Kitty and Gussie.

Sr. Gemma entered St John of God Novitiate, Wexford on 15th August, 1940.  She made her First Profession on 30th June 1943, and Final Profession on 13th June 1946.   On completion of her Nursing Training at Royal Northern Hospital, London, Gemma ministered in Torquay; Ely Hospital; Courtney Hill Hospital, Newry and Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry where she spent thirty two years.  She ministered there during the period that has since been known as “the time of the troubles”.  The British army was in occupation and Gemma had many an interesting encounter with the soldiers and the Customs Officers.

Having retired from Daisy Hill Hospital in 1982, Gemma ministered in the Irish College, Rome and Rathdowney Convent.  She was a woman of boundless energy and aged 64 years she set out on a mission to Buea, Cameroon where she remained until 1991 when she retired to St John of God Convent, Kilkenny.  In her retirement years she was able to spend time pursuing her various interests.  She loved painting and had a great fondness for nature especially the lifestyle of birds and animals.  She found great pleasure in music, song and dance!  She was gifted with a spontaneous sense of humour which was very life-giving.

Ill health finally took its toll.  During her long illness, Gemma was lovingly cared for by her sisters in community and carers.  She died peacefully on 21st January, 2013.  Following her Requiem Mass concelebrated at St Patrick’s Church, she was laid to rest in Foulkstown Cemetery.

Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dhilis