In Memory

Sr. Marguerite Larkin R.I.P.

Sr. Marguerite went to her eternal reward on 15th December 2023. She passed away peacefully after a short illness surrounded by Sisters and Staff in Sallyville House.  Marguerite was born 16/08/1930 in Ballycloven, Callan, Co. Kilkenny to Daniel and Brigid Larkin.  She was christened Marguerite.

She is sadly missed by her brother Michael, sister-in-law Mairead, nieces, nephews, in-laws and many friends. She was predeceased by her sister Mary age 13 years, her brothers Paddy, Nick and Tom.

Marguerite’s primary and secondary education was at the Mercy Convent School, Callan. She joined the Sisters of St. John of God on 06/09/1949. At her reception she was given the name Mary Thomas but was glad to go back to her baptismal name after Vatican II. She made First Profession in 1951 and Final Profession in 1954.

Marguerite qualified as a Nurse and Midwife at the Royal Northern Hospital, London and as a theatre sister in Whipps Cross, London. She ministered in Courtenay Hill Newry, Wexford General Hospital and Torquay Devon. She was Matron in Maypark Nursing Home, Waterford from 1972 – 1977.

Following her years of nursing ministry, she had sabbatical time, during which she did a Theology Diploma course in Maynooth. She worked with Social Services in Rathdowney from 1983 to 1991. She then moved to Kilkenny Convent where she was an active member of the community and helped out in the Altar Bread department. She retired to Sallyville House 2017.

Being ‘The Mistress of Witty Remark’ Marguerite made many good friends and enjoyed her ministry and the wider community wherever she went.  She endeared herself to everyone in her circle and was always loved by her family at home and abroad. In her own words “my favourite colour is black and amber! I used to enjoy following the All Ireland – Brian Cody, ‘King Henry’ and many of the Kilkenny Team players would come to visit the convent with the Liam McCarthy Cup – happy memories indeed!” She was always an avid reader and maintained her interest in current affairs.  She is sadly missed by all in Sallyville where she was loved and cared for by the Sisters and Staff.

Marguerite’s funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Tony O’Connell in Sallyville followed by burial in Foulkstown Cemetery, Kilkenny.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilís.