Sr Nuala Gaffney
1929 – 2023
Born: 22nd October 1929
Entered Religious Life: 13th October 1947
Died: 20th January 2023
Nuala Gaffney was born in Dublin in 1929, to parents Elizabeth and Joseph. The family lived close to the Convent of the Sisters of Charity in Harold’s Cross in Dublin. Nuala was the eldest of five children and attended Primary School with the Sisters of Charity and later to Scoil Brid.
Nuala, being the oldest got lots of experience of looking after children and showed early on, the skills, that would be useful later as a Primary Teacher!
Nuala entered the Novitiate at Mount St Anne’s, Dublin, in October 1947 and was Professed on the 3rd May 1950.
Nuala died on the 20th January, aged 93 years having spent an amazing 74 years of her life as a Religious Sister of Charity devoted to the service of the Lord and his people. After her Profession of Vows in 1950, Sr Nuala was Missioned to England and soon began her studies in Education and following the Froebel Theory of Education, which believes, that each child is unique and that teachers should create a harmonious and creative environment for children.
Nuala’s great passion for Teaching never waned all her life nor her love of being with children. She was both creative and kind, a good listener and always interested in people.
Nuala dedicated over 30 years of her life to Teaching and spending time teaching in Langley, Walthamstow, Basildon and Sowerby Bridge.
After retiring from teaching Nuala worked for another 10 years in Hospital Chaplaincy in Hammersmith and Parish Ministry in Bath.
In 1993, Nuala took some time out for herself and enjoyed a Sabbatical in the Milltown Institute of Theology, Dublin. She also signed up for a Course in Computers.
Nuala, later returned to Parish Ministry in Acton and Walthamstow until 2007 when she retired to St Joseph’s Convent, Hackney.
She loved keeping up with all her family and had a wonderful 90th Birthday meeting all the extended family members.
When talking about Nuala, she is constantly described as kind, patient and a good listener. But those who knew Nuala over her life, know that she suffered greatly and always bore it with great acceptance, dignity and patience.
She had a real witty sense of humour and a great memory. She loved poetry, was a fan of poet Patrick Kavanagh and enjoyed reading well into her later years. In these last year’s Nuala enjoyed watching Mass and listening to relaxing music on her iPad!
The Requiem Mass for Sr Nuala took place in St Joseph’s Convent Chapel on Tuesday 14th February 2023.
May she now rest in peace.