In Memory

Sr. Mary Clifford R.I.P.

Sr. Mary Clifford was born in Shanacknock, Waterville, Co. Kerry on 4 October 1919.  She entered St. John of God Novitiate, Wexford, on 8 September 1937, made her First Profession on 26 April 1940 and her Final Profession on 26 April 1943.

Mary completed her nursing training in Mercy Hospital, Cork and ministered in the County Hospital, Naas, for many years.  She also ministered in St. Columba’s Hospital, Thomastown; the District Hospital, Castlecomer and the County Hospital in Wexford. She spent twenty years in Cahercalla before retiring to St. John of God Convent, Kilkenny, in 2006.

Mary was extremely generous with her time and loved to help others.  She had a bright and cheerful personality and was a great listener and an interesting conversationalist.  She was quick witted and had a great sense of humour.  She had a kindly nature as well as a creative one.  She contributed some beautiful works for the chapel in Cahercalla.  Her altar cloths and hangings in paintings and needlecraft were much admired.  Mary was a great lover of books and read from a wide range of interests.  She loved nature and it gave her sustenance and inner joy to spend time on the beach in lovely Glenbeigh in her beloved Kerry.  She was very close to her family and especially fond of her nieces and nephews.  She enjoyed travel and especially her visits home and, on her return, entertained her Sisters in community with stories of her experiences.

After a short illness bravely borne, Mary died peacefully on 19 September 2010.  At her Requiem, there were many special tributes to her.  She was interred in the family grave in Dromavilla, Killorglin, Co. Kerry.

May her gentle soul now rest in peace with the God whom she served so faithfully.