In Memory

Sr. Joan Walker R.I.P.

In the early hours of Sunday, 17th July 2016, Sr. Joan Walker went home to her eternal reward, after a relatively short illness, which she bore with great courage, patience and acceptance.

Sr. Joan was the oldest of three children born to Jim and Kathleen Walker, Bellefield, Enniscorthy. She grew up in Wexford town, living with her grandmother and aunt in Maudlintown.  She attended St. John of God School, The Faythe, where she completed her Leaving Cert in 1962. She entered the St. John of God Novitiate in September of that year, and was professed on 16th July 1965.

Following Novitiate and Teacher Training in Carysfort, Joan was assigned to Edenderry, where she taught for – years. During this time she also did further studies in Catechetics at U.C.D. and Mount Oliver Catechetical Centre, Dundalk.  She was extremely happy in Edenderry and developed many friendships there that continued through the ensuing years. She later taught in Kilmore, Co. Wexford, before being appointed Principal at Kilmore Rd. Primary School, Artane, Dublin. On retirement from that role Joan returned to Kilmore Quay where she was involved in Parish ministry, particularly Pre-Sacramental preparation until last January.

Joan was a “people’s person”- sincere in friendship, compassionate and thoughtful.  She worked hard, but enjoyed life and loved to entertain her friends. She always maintained close contact with former colleagues. Music was one of her special gifts, which she shared generously with others and through her work with schoolchildren and choirs she enriched the liturgy in the parishes in which she ministered. Joan was always conscious of and sensitive to the needs of those less fortunate than herself.  She was very committed to her St. John of God life and always contributed to and participated in Congregational gatherings.  Above all, she was a deeply spiritual person and this was truly evident during her final illness.

Right Rev. Monsignor Lory Kehoe (cousin) was chief celebrant at Joan’s Requiem Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Bride St. He was assisted by V. Rev. Brendan Nolan (cousin) P.P. Our Lady’s Island; V. Rev. E. Aughney P.P. St. Mullins; V. Rev. Denis Doyle P.P. Kilmore; V. Rev. Aodhan Marken Adm. Wexford and a number of other concelebrants. Bishop Denis Brennan presided. Following Requiem Mass Joan was laid to rest in the Convent cemetery in Newtown Rd.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Joan’s sister Eileen, Kehoe (Ballylough, Ferns), brother Seamus (Bunclody), brother-in-law John, sister-in-law Pauline, her niece Joanne, her seven nephews and the extended family. She will be sadly missed by each of them and by her many friends within the St. John of God Congregation and beyond.

Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dilis