In Memory

Sr. Mary Byrne R.I.P.

Mary died peacefully in the loving care of the Sisters, Staff and Family at Sallyville House on 13th December 2024.

Mary was born in Myshall, Co. Carlow on the 13th February 1941 to Anne (nee Duggan) and Jim Byrne. The family later moved to Graiguenamanagh. She was predeceased by her brother Jim and will be sadly missed by her brothers Martin and John, her sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, extended family, friends and her John of God Community.

National School was first in Myshall for Mary and later, she attended Graiguenamanagh NS. She went to the Brigidine Secondary School in Goresbridge.

Mary entered the St. John of God Novitiate on 6th March 1960 and made her First Profession 8th September 1962 receiving the name Ailbe. She made her Final Profession on 8th September 1965.

Mary qualified as a nurse in Wexford County Hospital and later did her Midwifery training in the Medical Missionaries Hospital, Drogheda. She completed a Diploma in Neonatal Nursing in Holles Street Maternity Hospital and did a Ward Sisters course in Dublin. She nursed in many hospitals both public and private – in Ely Wexford, Maypark Waterford, Cahercalla Ennis, Torquay in England and Cameroon in Africia.

Mary’s final nursing ministry was in the Holy Ghost Home in Waterford. She ministered there for many years and it was there she found her true calling in nursing the elderly. She lived there with her close-knit John of God Community, and staff. She retired to Grange Cove in Waterford in 2006 where she enjoyed pastoral ministry for a number of years until her health deteriorated. She continued in Grange Cove supported by her community, family and friends until she moved to Sallyville House in 2022. During her final years there, she endeared herself to the community and staff where her appreciation of music, singing, dancing and love of people shone through. Mary’s love of Graiguenamanagh will never be forgotten by everyone in Sallyville as she constantly reminisced about the family farm and the special place it held in her heart.

During Mary’s final days there was a lovely prayerful atmosphere within the house as family, staff, sisters and Chaplain constantly visited to spend time with her.

While reposing in Sallyville House Chapel, family, friends, staff and community prayed and shared memories of Mary’s life, especially her loyalty to friends and her native Graiguenamanagh.

Mary’s funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jim Curtis, Chaplain to Sallyville House. Her brother John, on behalf of the family, expressed his gratitude to all in Sallyville for the care Mary received during her illness. When the funeral rite was completed, John sang the Rose of Mooncoin as the final tribute to his only sister.

Mary was buried in Foulkstown Cemetery, Kilkenny

May her spirit rest peacefully with God.