Death of our Sister Paschal ocso, 31 March 2012

The death of our dear Sister Paschal occurred on Saturday, 31 March 2012 in Padro Pio nursing home, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. Sister Paschal had wonderful care by the nursing home staff since 2009. She enjoyed great peace in her final months of decline surrounded by her fellow residents and care givers, sisters and many friends.

Sr. Paschal, (Ellen) who was born in Doneraile, Co. Cork, entered Glencairn on 25th May 1946 when she was 20 years of age, and made First Profession on 11th January 1949, and Final Profession three years later. Her sister, Sr. Joan Bernadette, joined the Ursulines. For many years Sr. Paschal worked in our Guesthouse, (she was a professional cook) becoming well known for her generous hospitality to all comers, her immense capacity for friendship, her loyalty to her family and friends, and her concern and kindness for others. Her sense of humour has lightened many community gatherings and was a delight too to her friends. Despite poor health, she continued to take a great interest in all that was happening, both inside and outside the monastery.

Sr. Paschal never did things on a small scale – her vision was large for get-togethers and celebrations, and her Diamond Jubilee on 12th January, 2009, was no exception. Many people expressed, by their presence alone, their love and appreciation of our Sister, of her constant prayers for all over the years, and above all, her heartfelt welcome and hospitality which were so marked a feature of her character.

In June, 2009, Sr. Paschal became very ill and was taken to the Bons, Cork, where her condition remained critical for several weeks. As her health became more precarious, it was realized that she needed more specialized care than could be given in Glencairn. Therefore she went to live in the Padre Pio Nursing Home in Cappoquin, where, for the remainder of her life, she received excellent and loving care. She was visited frequently by members of the community, and also by her many friends. Until she was eventually confined to her bed, she became friendly with all the other residents, knowing each by name and spending time with them. . During the last few months of her life there were frequent false alarms, but she always bounced back, even seeming to have made yet another recovery in the early morning before her death took place at 9.20 a.m. on Saturday 31st March, 2012. The funeral mass and burial took place at St Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn on Monday 2nd April, 2012.

There will never be another Paschal! She was unique! May she rest in peace.

– Sister Gertrude Kelly ocso