In Memory

Sr. Rita Fitzpatrick R.I.P.

Rita was born 3/10/1913 in Borahan, Errill, Rathdowney, Co. Laois. She was christened Mary. She was a twin – her twin sister was Margaret.

Mary worked in Naas hospital for a number of years. The John of God Sisters ministered there and it was through this contact with the Sisters, that Mary decided to join the Congregation. She was 33 when she entered the St. John of God Novitiate in Wexford on 1/11/1946.

Mary was given the religious name of Rita. She made her First Profession on 26/08/1949 and her Final Profession on 26/08/1952.

Over the years with the Congregation, she worked as a cook in various locations:

Aut Even Hospital      1948-1952

Kilkenny Convent      1952-1964

Wexford Convent       1964-1966

She returned to Kilkenny Convent in 1966.

Here she was in charge of the laundry and the dining-room and was meticulous about both. Rita worked hard and she was always in a hurry! But she was kind and compassionate and always welcoming to visitors. She was witty in her turn-of-phrase. She loved to buy a ticket in a raffle and always believed she was going to win!

Prayer was very important to Rita. She simply talked to God – especially when she was in trouble! Family was also important to her. She loved to visit her twin sister Margaret.

Rita went to her eternal reward on 8/4/2015.

May she rest in peace.