1938 – 2025
Born: 4th March 1938
Entered Religious Life: 1st October 1960
Died: 16th February 2025
Anne Mary Molloy was born on the 4th March 1938 in Boherhallagh, near Foxford in Co Mayo to John and Mary Molloy (nee Muldowney). There were three children in the family: – Marie, John and Teresa.
Marie received her early education in Foxford, where the Sisters of Charity played a pivotal role in the life of the community, founding the Foxford Woollen Mills and schools in the area.
Marie entered the Sisters of Charity novitiate in Milltown Dublin on the 1st October 1960. She was received as a novice on the 21st April 1961 and was given the name Sr Marie Immaculata. Her first profession was on the 26th April 1963. From the outset of Marie’s religious life, it was clear she had a wonderful gift of working with people in a social and pastoral capacity.
Her very first mission straight after profession in 1963 was in Blarney Co. Cork where she was Parish Sister. This was followed by four years in Witney, England working as a Parish Sister. She continued in this role working mostly in the English/Scottish Province – in Witney, Langley and Birkenhead in England and Cumbernauld, Airdrie and Clydebank in Scotland. During this time, she had a study break and graduated in Pastoral Ministry from Plater College in Oxford.
In 1981 she returned to Ireland where she ministered in Stanhope Street Community Centre followed, by a spell in Milltown in the School Home/Outreach before returning again to Airdrie. In total Marie was a Parish Sister for 54 years which really is a remarkable record.
Our Foundress Mary Aikenhead considered one of our greatest works as Sisters of Charity was visiting people in their own homes, supporting them in their struggles, sharing their problems, their joys and consoling them in their pain. Marie did this every day of those 54 years and considered it to be a privilege. Her commitment was second to none with her warm and friendly personality.
Her last mission before returning to Ireland was in Clydebank, Scotland where she worked for 26 years. Her dedication to those sick and housebound knew no limits and the weekly visits bringing communion to them was welcomed by all, and meant so much to families. Marie left Clydebank in 2020 and was sorely missed by the Parish Community who really benefited from her presence. To this day she is remembered with great fondness and many stories of her kindness.
When she returned to Ireland she retired to Stanhope Street Community. Having had health issues for some time which she struggled with, it eventually became evident that Marie needed extra care and she transferred to Catherine McAuley Nursing home where for the last two years she was very well cared for by the staff and in her own gentle way was very grateful to them. In her last days she was attended by the team from St Francis Hospice who also cared for her with great dignity and respect.
After 26 years in Clydebank she was in many ways considered a “Bankie” one of the people, which she was very happy about but deep down was a true Mayo woman and very proud of the fact. Her family were very important to her she loved them all as they in turn loved her and while it was possible they brought her home to her beloved Mayo for short visits. She was a woman with a great capacity for long and lasting friendships and was greatly supported in her recent illness by her family and many friends. She was a very kind, gentle and caring community sister, very helpful and always extended a warm welcome to visitors.
Marie brought a sense of joy and love to many people and was a true blessing to so many over many years. She died peacefully on the 16th February 2025 and was laid to rest in the Sisters of Charity plot in Foxford Church graveyard.
May Marie now rest in peace and experience the fulness of God’s love forever. Amen
