In Memory

Sr. Vianney Hickey R.I.P.

Sr. Vianney (Ellen Mary) was born to Patrick and Mary Hickey in Crowsgrove, Kildavin, Co. Wexford on 15th May 1914.  She entered St John of God Novitiate, Wexford, on 3rd September 1932.  First Profession was on 25th May 1935, and Final Profession on 25th May 1938.  She qualified as a Nurse in Mercy Hospital, Cork in 1946, and trained as a midwife in Drogheda in 1957/58.  Other qualifications included administration and management.

Vianney nursed in many of our hospitals, including Kildare, New Ross, Aut Even, Thomastown, and Torquay.  She will be remembered particularly for her time as Matron in St John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy from 1960-1978.  At that time St John’s was still run by a Board of Management, a carry over from the institution’s days as a workhouse, going back to 1850’s. It  was to this atmosphere that Vianney brought a very enlightened regime, instigating several initiatives, all with the welfare of patients and indeed the wider community at their core.  In 1978 Vianney moved to our Nursing Home in Torquay, returned to Ireland in 1985 and spent 4 years as Leader in John’s Hill, Waterford and then to Kilkenny Convent as Bursar.

She was a talented gardener, and a glance at the beautiful grounds in Kilkenny Convent will bear witness to this giftedness.

Sr. Vianney drew her strength for living and ministry from the God of love in whose presence she trusted and whose guidance she sought in all her activities and commitments.

After a long illness, patiently endured, Vianney entered into the mystery of eternal life on 28th July 2008 and was interred in Foulkstown Cemetery, Kilkenny.

At her funeral Mass her niece, Sr. Mary Fitzpatrick paid the following tribute, ‘At the heart of our family she was a much loved sister, sister-in-law, and aunt. Her sense of humour and boundless energy made her the life of any family gathering. She was always there for us in difficult times’.

Her St. John of God  Sisters remember her with gratitude and joy, believing that she now enjoys the presence of the One she served with love.