Sister Margaret Kavanagh
1932 – 2022
Born: 1st September 1932
Entered Religious Life: 8th June 1956
Died: 7th December 2022
Margaret Kavanagh, daughter of James Kavanagh and Margaret McGrath was born on 1st September 1934 in Byrnesgrove, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny.
Margaret entered the Religious Sisters of Charity in Milltown on 8th June 1956 and was received into the Novitiate on 29th January 1957 receiving the name of Sr. Mary Casimir. She was professed on 30th January 1959.
Following her profession Margaret served for a short time in Ballaghaderreen before moving to Linden. Having served for thirty five years in the hospitality and catering services in Linden she went on sabbatical to Hawkestone Hall which she enjoyed very much.
On completion of her sabbatical she was missioned to St. Vincent’s, Cork and served in the Centre Workshop for the next ten years. In 2006 she was appointed Assistant Local Leader in Baldoyle. In 2010 she moved to Walkinstown where she supervised the catering and household duties. In her spare time she visited our Sisters in Lakelands, Loyola and St. Monica’s. Her visits and presence were deeply appreciated.
Due to failing health Margaret retired to Lakelands in August 2017 and remained there until she needed further care when she was moved to Loyola Nursing Home in Merrion in January 2020. The closing of Loyola Nursing home necessitated another move for Margaret and she went to Beechlawn Nursing Home in August 2020.
Margaret was very dedicated to her ministry bringing great happiness to anyone visiting the communities in which she lived. People spoke highly of her hospitality and visitors to the Convent always enjoyed a good meal.
As a Sister of Charity Margaret was committed to the Congregation and her prayer life. She had a dry sense of humour and was very observant of all activities going on around her.
She was a keen GAA fan and was very proud of her nephew Michael who hurled on the Kilkenny County Team.
During the last few years of her life in spite of failing mobility, Margaret was able to enjoy visits from her community, family and friends. She loved getting news of what was happening in the community and kept up her interest in Congregational and family matters.
Though confined to bed for some time her death came rather quickly and she died peacefully in Beechlawn Nursing Home on 7th December 2022. Her funeral Mass was on Saturday December 10th in Star of the Sea Parish Church in Sandymount, followed by burial in the community cemetery in Donnybrook. May she rest in peace.
