SrJoansharedhergiftofmusic
In recent times, Sr Joan Walker went home to her eternal reward, after a relatively short illness, which she bore with great courage, patience and acceptance.
Sr Joan was the oldest of three children born to Jim and Kathleen Walker from Bellefield, Enniscorthy. She grew up in Wexford town, living with her grandmother and aunt in Maudlintown and attending St John of God School, The Faythe, where she completed her Leaving Certificate in 1962. She entered the St John of God Novitiate in September of that year and was later professed on July 16 1965.
Following Novitiate and teacher training in Carysfort, Joan was assigned to Edenderry, where she was a teacher for some years. During this time she also did further studies in Catechetics at UCD and Mount Oliver Catechetical Centre, Dundalk. She was extremely happy in Edenderry and developed many friendships there that continued through the ensuing years. She later taught in Kilmore, Co Wexford before being appointed the principal at Kilmore Road Primary School, Artane, Dublin. On retirement from that role Joan returned to Kilmore Quay where she was very involved in Parish ministry, particularly pre-sacramental preparation, until last January.
Joan was a people’s person – sincere in friendship, compassionate and thoughtful. She worked hard but enjoyed life and loved to entertain her friends. She always maintained close contact with former colleagues. Music was one of her special gifts, which she shared generously with others and through her work with schoolchildren and choirs, she enriched the liturgy in the parishes which she ministered. Joan was always conscious of and sensitive to the needs of those who were less fortunate than herself. She was very committed to her St John of God life and always contributed to and participated in congregational gatherings. Above all, she was a deeply spiritual person and this was truly evident during her final illness.
Right Rev Monsignor Lory Kehoe (cousin) was chief celebrant at Joan’s Requiem Mass in Church of the Assumption, Bride St. He was assisted by V Rev Brendan Nolan (cousin) PP Our Lady’s Island; V Rev E Aughney PP St Mullins; V Rev Denis Doyle PP Kilmore; V Rev Aodhan Marken Adm Wexford and a number of other concelebrants. Bishop Denis Brennan presided. Following Requiem Mass, Joan was laid to rest in the Convent cemetery in Newtown Road.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Joan’s sister Eileen Kehoe (Ballylough, Ferns), brother Seamus (Bunclody), brotherin-law John, sister-in-law Pauline, her niece Joanne and her seven nephews. She will be sadly missed by each of them, by her extended family and by her many friends within the St John of God Congregation and beyond.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.