In Memory

Sr. Mary T. Kavanagh R.I.P.

Sr. Mary (Mary Teresa) Kavanagh was born in The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 18th May, 1942.  Her parents were Joseph and Margaret Kavanagh.  She was one of a family of eleven.  She is survived by her brothers Joe and Peter and her sisters Angela and Patricia.

Mary entered St. John of God Novitiate, Wexford 5th March, 1960.  She made First Profession 8th September, 1962, Final Profession 8th September, 1965.  Having completed teacher training in Southampton, Mary commenced her teacher career in Trowbridge.  She also taught in London and then in Cardiff where she remained for fourteen years.

In 1984 Mary volunteered for our mission in Cameroon, she remained there until 1990.  During her time there, the Principal of Holy Rosary School in Bamenda commended her for bringing the liturgy to a level never seen before – high praise indeed! Mary’s great gift was her singing voice and she used it generously wherever she ministered.  It was also an advantage to her in her teaching and it quickly endeared her to the children on whom she had an excellent influence.  Her innate kindness was evident in her patient understanding of children with learing difficulties.

Mary spent three years in Irish College, Rome where she acted as sacristan.  She returned to London in 1995 and spent two years teaching there.  In 1997 her last assignment was to Ballyvaloo Retreat/Holiday Centre as Sacristan/Liturgist where her talents were much appreciated by all who availed of the Centre.

Mary reached out to others and was a real peoples’ person and a good conversationalist.  She loved a party and any form of entertainment.  She was quick – witted and had a great sense of humour.  For relaxation Mary enjoyed listening to music and was also an avid reader.  Her reading spanned a wide range of spirituality and literature.

While on a visit home to comfort her brother Kevin who was seriously ill and has since died, RIP, Mary was taken suddenly ill and died in Mullingar Hospital, 10th September, 2009.  Her death caused widespread shock and sorrow.  Following her Requiem Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Kilkenny, Mary was interred in Foulkstown Cemetery.  May she now enjoy joining the choirs of heaven forever.