1939-2025
Born: 19th June 1939
Entered Religious Life: 15th July 1957
Died: 3rd November 2025
Treasa Kennedy was born on the 19th June 1939 to Bridie and Tadgh Kennedy in Rinn Bui, Lispole, Co. Kerry. She went to school in Daingean Ui Chuis and entered the Religious Sisters of Charity on the 15th July 1957.
After Profession in 1960 she went to Stanhope Street for two years where she developed Youth Work.
In 1963 she was missioned to Kilkenny to develop the Social Services under the direction of Bishop Peter Birch. Sr. Stan said she learned everything she knew about Social Services Community Work and Social Justice from Bishop Peter Birch.
During her time in Kilkenny she qualified in Social Science in UCD (BSocSc) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Youth Work from Manchester University (PDipYW), and Masters in Social Policy (MSp) in UCD.
From 1974 – 1980 Sr Stan was appointed First Chair of the National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty by the Irish government. In 1980 she was appointed Coordinator of the European Rural Network to Combat Poverty.
In 1983 she returned to Dublin and as a Senior Research fellow at UCD where she carried out research on the nature and extent of homelessness among women in Dublin. This was the first research conducted in Ireland on Homelessness.
In 1984 – 85 Sr Stan spent a year alongside eight young women who were homeless, listening and learning from their stories. In September 1985 she founded a new organisation, Focus Point in Dublin with good-will and a donation of £5,000 from the Congregation.
Focus Point’s vision was ‘Everyone has the right to a place called home’ and its mission was to prevent people from becoming homeless and to help people out of homelessness.
Over the years Focus Point grew and developed its response to the needs of homeless people. It is now known as Focus Ireland, a large national organisation, with a sister organisation, Focus Housing Association, providing a range of housing and services throughout Ireland.
President Mary McAleese appointed Sr Stan to the Council of State from 1997 to 2004.
In 1998 Sr Stan founded the Sanctuary with Sr Sile Wall, a meditation and mindfulness centre in Stanhope Street.
In 2000 she founded the Immigrant Council of Ireland, a Human Rights organisation responding to the emerging needs of immigrants and supporting and promoting their rights.
In 2001 she co-founded the Young Social Innovators, promoting active citizenship among thousands of young people in Ireland.
She served as an elected member of the General Council of the Congregation for twelve years and contributed richly to the work of the Council in the various parts of the world.
Sr Stan was a passionate advocate for the poor, the homeless and for the marginalised. No one will ever know the countless individuals whom she quietly helped, supported, encouraged, advised and championed.
She received numerous awards and tributes for her outstanding work for the marginalised in society.
Sr Stan was unwell for some time and in October 2025 she was admitted to St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown where she received wonderful care. She died very peacefully on Monday the 3rd November, in the presence of her niece Deirdre and Sr Sile Wall.
Her funeral Mass took place in the Sacred Heart Church, Donnybrook and was televised on RTE News channel.
She was laid to rest in the community cemetery in Donnybrook.
May Stan now rest in peace and experience the fulness of God’s love forever. Amen.
