The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Sr Eileen always offered reassurance and prayers
SISTER Eileen was born at her home in Trieneragh, Duagh, on September 9, 1935.
For the first 16 years of her life she shared family life with her parents, Margaret (McCarthy) and Timothy, sisters Maureen and Mai and brothers John and Christy.
These were happy times for a loving faith-filled family but unfortunately only Christy is now living.
Eileen continued her strong family links also through her dearly beloved nieces and nephews and extended family. She delighted in their successes, comforted them in times of despair, and offered them advice and direction in difficult times.
Most of all she offered her prayers and that of many of her fellow Sisters to aid in the resolution and acceptance of her families and friends many personal and health-related concerns.
Eileen was committed to the decision she made to enter the Sisters of Mercy Congregation after the sisters visited her local school in 1951. It was a true Vocation
She spent 12 months at the Convent in Timoleague in County Cork as a 15-year-old before eventually leaving her beloved Ireland in April 1952 as a 16-year-old to enter the Brisbane Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy..
On the 19 December 1952 at her Reception Ceremony she was given the religious name of Sr Mary Gertrude.
From 1957 to 1996, she dedicated herself to her long career in Education. She began this career as a Teacher but for many years, Eileen was also a Principal moving from school to school such as Surfers Paradise, Cunnamulla, Goodna, Darra, Stanthorpe and Dalby.
In 1985 Eileen took up a role in Leadership and Management within Brisbane Catholic Education, here she supported and worked with Teachers, Principals and Senior Leaders in Schools throughout the Archdiocese.
Eileen enjoyed her retirement; she responded with generosity and compassion as she served within the Ministry of Aged Care both at Holy Cross, Wooloowin and most recently at Mercy Aged Care, Nu dgee.
Eileen was devoted to the service of mercy. She was a Mercy presence wherever she saw a need to which she could respond.
Whether it was rising early with her friend Sr Jo Dooley to make sandwiches for the coffee Van; supporting homeless men and women in Brisbane; running marathons for fund-raising or quietly providing companionship and prayer through the night for Sisters who may have been close to the end of their life, Sr Eileen was there.
Eileen had many friends in Brisbane, Sisters Jo, Irene, Rita, Claire and Alice to mention a few. Many years ago Eileen was befriended by Kay and John Pratt (her Aussie Family) and affectionately became known as “sis” to their children and later grandchildren .
Eileen travelled to Ireland on many occasions and delighted in spending time listening to Irish music and visiting places she had only read about. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.
Eileen’s face would light up when she was told her family was surprising her with a trip to foreign lands such as Turkey, Morocco or Spain. She was so interested in the many exploits and adventures of her family, and no matter positive or negative, Eileen always had words of reassurance and the promise of a special prayer. She was so special and a presence that cannot be replaced.
Eileen had many interests. She was fanatical about her sporting interests, including Brisbane Bron- cos, Aussie Rugby. Kerry GAA and Rafael Nadal.
Eileen was a private, independent woman who freely gave of herself. She was Loyal and Committed. She loved her family dearly, as they did her. Eileen’s family, Sisters of Mercy and friends were all shocked at the sudden passing of Eileen on August 22, 2017, at her home.
Christy and Eileen’s Niece Maggie travelled to Brisbane to share in the Celebration of Eileen’s life at St Vincent’s Chapel Nudgee and her burial at Nudgee Cemetery on 30 August.
Sr Cathy Reuter RSM and many sisters from the Brisbane Mercy Congregation shared in the family’s great loss and showed great compassion and empathy to both Christy and Maggie at this time.
Dearest Eileen – a woman of Mercy, a treasured and loved Sister and Aunt, a loyal friend to many: may you rest in God’s loving embrace.
A Mass to celebrate Eileen’s life will be held in St Brigid’s RC Church, Duagh, on Friday 3 Nove mber 2017 at 7.30 pm