Sister Sheila Lucey Enters Eternal Life

Sister Sheila Lucey passed away peacefully in the Nursing Home at the Columban Sisters' Motherhouse,  Magheramore, Wicklow, Ireland on Tuesday July 10,  2007 at 14.55 hrs.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated  in the convent chapel on Thursday, July 12  at 11.30 hrs. after which she was   buried in the convent cemetery.

R.I.P.

Born in Cork in 1923, Sister  Sheila later lived in Mayo and Galway before the family moved to Dublin.  In 1943  she entered the Columban Sisters' novitiate in Cahiracon, Co Clare  and made First Professionof Vows in 1945.  She then  studied in UCD where she graduated with a PhD in English Literature before being sent on mission to the Philippines. 

She taught first in Lingayen before going on to the newly opened graduate school in Ozamis where she became Dean of the College.  Later she was to teach in Olongopo.  Her love of the people and her gentle manner endeared her to generations of students who benefited from her wide knowledge and love of literature. Eager to help the teachers advance she gave of her best to them.

After twenty years she returned to Ireland and for several years she helped edit the Far East magazine.  One her return to her beloved Philippines in 1980, Sheila undertook formation work and spiritual direction as well as continuing to teach.  

Back in Ireland after a decade she began working on the biography of Mother Mary  Patrick Moloney, a work of love which earned her the acclaim and gratitude of many, especially the Sisters.

Sheila bore her last illness with the serenity and graciousness which characterised her life.  

 May she rest in peace.