In Memory

Margaret O’Grady R.I.P.

 On Thursday, 12th November 2015, Sr. Margaret O’Grady died peacefully at Waterford  University Hospital.  She was in her ninety-third year and had lived a very independent life up to a fortnight before her death, when she had a fall.  The resultant hip fracture necessitated surgery from which she did not recover.

Margaret was born 26th February, 1923.  She was the third of four daughters born to Martin and Mary (nee Fergus) O’Grady, Cloggernagh, Greenshills, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.  She attended the local primary school and later St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Castlebar.

Margaret entered the St. John of God Novitiate, Spawell Road, Wexford on 23rd January, 1946.  She followed her younger sister, Sr. Annunciata, who had entered three months previously.  Margaret was professed on 1st December, 1948.  On reception into the Congregation, she received the name “Cajetan”, but reverted to her Baptismal Name, when renewal of Religious Life commenced following Vatican II.

Having trained in General Nursing at Wexford Hospital and Mercy Hospital, Cork, Margaret later qualified in Midwifery at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, and Airmount Midwifery Unit, Waterford.  She then ministered in Naas General Hospital and Gorey District Hospital, before being transferred to New Ross District Hospital in 1966, where she was matron for a number of years.  Following her retirement from New Ross in 1988, she continued her nursing ministry in the Irish College, Rome, for one year and as an Infirmarian at Wexford Convent for a further four years.

Margaret was a private, reserved and unassuming person. She was very methodical and thorough in carrying out her ministry.  When, as Matron, she had occasion to call a staff member to order, she did so firmly, but would never refer to the issue again.  She was always interested in music and played the accordion in her younger days.  During her retirement years she took up painting, which she enjoyed.  Her memory was very alert until the end and she was always up-to-date on local, national and world news.

Margaret’s Requiem Mass was attended by family members and the St. John of God Sisters and was celebrated by Fr. Jim Curtis in the Convent Chapel on Sunday, 15th November.  Burial took place afterwards in the Convent Cemetery.  May she rest in God’s eternal peace.