Sr Mary Brennan
1937-2025
Born: 6th July 1937
Entered Religious Life: 26th September 1955
Died: 2nd June 2025
Mary was born in Kellymount, Paulstown, Co Kilkenny on a farm, in 1937. to parents Margaret and Martin. Mary was one of 11 children – 5 boys and 6 girls. Sr Mary entered Mount St Annes at 18 years old in 1955 and was very happy as a Religious Sister of Charity.
After her First Profession of Vows in 1958, Mary was missioned to Ballaghaderreen in the West of Ireland and then to St Patrick’s Kilkenny as a Housekeeper, where she spent over 30
years. Sr Mary enjoyed a Sabbatical in 1995 and was Missioned to Rock Ferry in the North West of England and then to St Joseph’s Hackney, London as Housekeeper, in 2005. Mary brought great joy, dedication and good humour everywhere she went. Her ready smile and laughter made everyone a friend and feel welcomed.
In 2013, Sr Mary was missioned to Birkenhead in the North West of England, where she became the Parish Sister in St Werburghs Parish Church. During those last 11 years until 2024, Sr Mary visited parishioners in their homes and care homes bringing her own loving kindness and deep spirituality with her. Mary could often be seen walking along the streets of Birkenhead quietly saying her rosary in all weathers.
Sr Mary’s own deep faith and spirituality also comprised of a profound Marian devotion to Our Lady of Knock and Medjugorje. Mary lived her ministry and religious life in the presence of the Christ in the Eucharist and indeed during the last months of her illness Mary never left the presence of Christ and drew great support and joy by joining St Werburghs Parish and Knock for online Masses each day.
Mary’s family have very fond memories of their Auntie Sadie. Mary was always a keen walker and often she would disappear for hours around the villages and fields saying her prayers. But Mary is particularly remembered for baking the most delicious apple pies and scones at the family farm each summer.
During these last months as her illness rapidly progressed, her sense of peace became more profound. Sr Mary was always blessed in her many friends but over the last years and months, one friend who was there every day to support her was Sr Brigid. Mary simply shared with Brigid, that she was going home soon and so she did the next day.
The readings and hymns, which Mary chose for her funeral, expressed her faith and love of the Eucharist and her desire to share that faith with us. But as we know, no account can ever encompass a life or express our love and loss. Mary was a loved member of her family, a woman of commitment and dedication as a Religious Sister of Charity for 70 years. May she rest in peace.
