In Memory

Sr. Alma Conway R.I.P.

Sr. Alma (Mary Kathleen) Conway was born in Curragh, Co. Kildare on 16th June, 1945.  Her parents were Margaret (nee McGrath) and Jack Conway.  She had one brother Dominic and one Sister Anne, both predeceased her.  Her nearest relatives were her cousins, Patricia, Eamon and Mary and these were frequent visitors.

Alma entered in Ballinamore on 3rd October, 1963.  Within two months of entry she went to Australia where she made her First Profession on the 8th December, 1966.  She returned to Ballinamore in 1967 and made her Final Profession on the 8th December, 1971.  During her time in Ballinamore she helped with the care of the elderly and because of her cheerful disposition and her interest in people she was much appreciated.  When the Sisters transferred to Ballymote, Alma helped out in the Nursing Home.  She acted as Sacristan and was involved in pastoral care.  Unfortunately she had a fall and sustained a fractured hip.  She was transferred to Sligo Regional Hospital for surgery and spent a considerable time in the Rehabilitation Centre in Sligo.

On returning to Ballymote her main apostolate was helping patients with letter-writing, making phone calls and entertaining visitors.  She joined the Wheelchair Association in Sligo and was involved in pottery making and art.  With the closure of Ballymote in 2012 Alma transferred to St John of God House, Kilkenny.  She was fortunate to have the Wheelchair Centre close at hand.  This was so lifegiving for her as she made many friends and contributed much to the group.  She introduced some new ideas in the area of craft and even when she retired to the Convent she continued with her visits to the Centre until ill health took its toll.  Her friends from the Centre continued to visit her and were very impressed by her positive outlook and her acceptance of her illness.  She had a wonderful spirit of prayer and was always grateful for any little act of kindness.  She died peacefully on 14th October, 2014.

Her Requiem Mass was concelebrated at St. Patrick’s Church.  Chief celebrant as Fr. Farrell Cawley, concelebrant Fr. Dan Carroll.  She was laid to rest in Foulkstown Cemetery.

Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dhilis