Widespread sadness at recent passing of Sr Maureen Keenan

THERE was widespread sadness in Gorey as people learned of the death of Sr. Maureen Keenan of Loreto, Gorey.

Sr. Maureen, pictured, passed away last month at Wexford General Hospital, aged 94 years, after just one week’s illness.

Born in Crossalara, Co. Monaghan, on 26 August, 1921, Maureen was the eldest of a family of ten children. She joined the Loreto Sisters in Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin, in 1940 taking the name Helena. Maureen ministered in many Loreto Communities, beginning in Gorey in 1943 and returning in 1974 – almost 50 years.

Most of her working life was spent in Gorey where she was well known and loved. Maureen had a great devotion to Our Lady and spent two weeks in Knock each year. Her Rosary beads were seldom out of her hand and her prayer list was very long as many people turned to her to share their joys and sorrows.

Her travel pass was one of her treasured possessions and all the roads around Gorey were familiar to her. Maureen is deeply missed by her sisters Bernie and Philomena, brothers Frank and James, her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She is also sadly missed by her Loreto Community and her many friends. May she rest in peace. The funeral Mass took place in St. Michael’s Church in Gorey on Wednesday 4 May. Burial took place in her home place in Lisdoonan, Co. Monaghan.