In Memory

Sr. Joanne Holohan R.I.P.

Sr. Joanne (Johanna) Holohan was born in Kilmacar, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny on 18th April, 1933.  Her parents were Ellen (nee Carroll) and James Holohan.  She was one of a family of twelve.  She had five brothers and six sisters.  She is survived by her brother Michael, sister Eileen, sisters-in-laws Teresa and Lily, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Having completed her Secondary Education at Presentation Convent School, Kilkenny she entered St. John of God Novitiate, Wexford on 8th October, 1950.  Her sister, Ann RIP, had entered the same year on 7th March so Joanne was well acquainted with St. John of God’s.  She made her First Profession on 26th May 1953 and her Final Profession on 24th May, 1956.  Having completed her General Nurse Training at Wexford County Hospital, in 1958,  Joanne nursed in Torquay for two years and then went on to Drogheda to do Midwifery Training.  She was always interested in Missionary work and volunteered for the St. John of God mission in Adazi, Nigeria, going there in 1961 and remaining until 1970 when, due to the outbreak of the Biafran War, the Sisters were forced to leave Nigeria.  From 1970 – 1976 she continued her nursing ministry in Aut Even Hospital.  Then, Joanne’s ministry took on a new aspect as a voluntary social worker in Rathdowney, Co. Laois.  She was ideally suited for this ministry as she had a lovely relationship with people and was always gentle, kind and compassionate.  Then in 1983, having completed a diploma in Parish Pastoral Work in Dublin Institute of Adult Education, she was appointed as Parish Sister in Holy Spirit Parish, Greenhills, Dublin, a position she held for 10 years.  In all areas of her ministry, Joanne gave her best, sharing her gifts and talents.  She won the affection of all to whom and with whom she ministered.  She was a woman of great faith, generosity and had a real spirit of dedication.

In her retirement years, which she spent at St. John of God House, College Road, Kilkenny, she continued her Parish Ministry as a valued member of St. Patrick’s Parish Council and was also a member of the Parish Bereavement Group.  In 2011, due to ill health Joanne retired to the St. John of God Convent Kilkenny where she was lovingly cared for by the Sisters, Nurses and Carers.  She died peacefully on the 22nd of November, 2014.

Her Requiem Mass was concelebrated at St. Patrick’s Church.  Fr. Roderick Whearty was chief celebrant, concelebrants were Frs. Dan Bollard, Michael Ryan, Willie Purcell, James Bollard and Eamon O’Gorman.  She was buried in Foulkstown Cemetry.

May her gentle soul rest in peace