Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary was in festive mood on May 20th as Sr. Margherita celebrated her 100th birthday, the first for Carrick.

Margherita, affectionately known as Nancy to all her family, was born in Tramore to her parents Michael and Rita.  While still young the family moved to Dublin and Margherita considers herself Waterford through and through.  They were a very close family and right through the years continued to holiday and celebrate together.

It was only natural then that the next generation arranged a special celebration to mark Nancy’s 100th.  She joined them in Clonmel accompanied by a carer and a few of the Sisters.  Margherita, keen as ever, thoroughly enjoyed the day.  There were a few memorable moments, one when Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan presented her with the cheque and good wishes from President Higgins and on coming home, she was further presented with a beautiful granite seat inscribed to mark the occasion, a gift from her family.

The community in Greenhill celebrated Margherita’s big day on June 3rd.  She was joined by all in the cluster, and also by Eileen and Nora Anne, from Cork as well as the staff and the other Sisters who ministered with her in El Cerrito, California.

In community, Margherita has always been known as an avid reader with keen interest in history, politics and world and church affairs.  She was a wonderful cook, a woman with a heart for the vulnerable, a good conversationalist and still enjoys a glass of red wine.  True to her Tramore upbringing she swam like a fish!

Today, nearly blind and with limited mobility she maintains an independent spirit.  She still keeps up with national and world affairs through the radio, but she also takes time each day for quiet reflection, St. John of the Cross always having been her favourite saint.

We wish Margherita good health, happiness and every blessing in the days ahead.

Josephine O’Grady Walshe rsm
Southern Province