Sr Berchmans ‘huge contribution’ to Loreto and Fermoy recognised
Tributes poured in this week following the passing of Sr Berchmans, formerly of Loreto, Fermoy.
Sr Berchmans O’Mahony passed away peacefully on Monday, March 28 in her 98th year and was fondly remembered by those who knew her, particularly by past pupils of Loreto in Fermoy where she had taught.
Staff at Loreto Secondary School said she made a ‘huge contribution’ to both the school and the parish of Fermoy over her long life.
“She will be remembered by all who knew her as being kind and caring. Many past pupils remember her as being particularly sensitive and understanding at times when they had suffered a bereavement,” one staff member said.
As a teacher at the school, Sr Berchmans was described as ‘dedicated and patient’ and taught French, English, Latin and Religion.
“Over many years she encouraged the students to be involved in the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, taking them to local and national events,” the staff member added.
“Sr. Berchmans was loved and respected for her work in Fermoy parish. She organised Loreto students to read at parish masses and she herself regularly led the Rosary for bereaved families at removals. Up to the time she left Fermoy for Kilkenny, she would walk all around the town to visit parishioners which was very much appreciated”.
Many locals shared their condolences with the Loreto Order and the O’Mahony family.
The Fermoy Pioneer Centre shared their condolences, stating that Sr Berchmans was a ‘stalwart’ of the movement.
“She was a stalwart of the Pioneer movement and almost singlehandedly kept the organisation going in Fermoy for years,” a spokesperson for the group said.
‘TROJAN’ WORK
Past students of Loreto recalled her as a ‘warm and kind person’ who ‘worked so hard for the good of her students’.
Her contribution to the community was noted, with one saying claimed she ‘could be seen in any part of Fermoy doing Trojan work’ and how she ‘loved a chat’.
Sr Berchmans is predeceased by her parents Michael and Mary Josephine, her brother Barry and her brothers-in-law, Jim and Bill. She is sadly missed by her Loreto Community, her sisters Lena and Mary Jo, her brothers Denis and Michael, her sisters-in-law Nell, Anne and Phil, her nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, relatives and many friends.
She will lie in repose at Martin Neligan & Sons Funeral Home, The Old Train Station, Fermoy on Thursday, March 31 from 5pm to 6pm. Reception into St. Patrick’s Church, Fermoy on Friday, April 1 at 11.15am for requiem Mass at 11.30am, followed by burial in Loreto Convent Cemetery, Fermoy.