In Memory

Sr. Canice Keyes R.I.P.

Sr. Canice Keyes went to her eternal reward in the early morning of the 25th October 2023, in the presence of a John of God Sister and the nursing staff at Sallyville House, Wexford.  She suffered a severe stroke on Saturday 2nd September and after it she needed complete nursing care.

Sr. Canice (Mary Keyes) was born at Borahan, Errill, Co. Laois to Joseph and Sarah Keyes (nee Tropey) on 1st July 1935.  She was an only girl with 5 brothers.  She received her primary school education in Errill National School and later attended night classes in Rathdowney Technical School.

She entered the John of God Novitiate Wexford on the 1st May 1957 and got the Religious name Canice at her Reception.  Canice made her 1st Profession on the 21st November 1959 and her Final Profession on the 21st November 1962.

Canice ministered in the area of catering in Wexford and Kilkenny, but she mainly ministered in England and the Irish College, Rome.  She spent 13 years in the Eternal City.  Over the years she did many courses to upskill herself in her chosen profession.

She was loved by all in Rome and made friendships with students and staff alike.  Many of these friendships lasted long after she returned to Ireland in 1998.  At that stage Canice lived in Galtrim and Fermoyle Kilkenny and helped at reception in Aut Even Hospital and volunteered at the Fr. McGrath Homework Club.

Following major heart surgery in 2009 Canice retired to Kilkenny Convent.  She helped in the Altar Bread Department and developed her artistic skills of painting and needlework.  She moved to John of God House Kilkenny in 2019 and to Sallyville House, Wexford in 2022.

Canice’s Funeral Mass was celebrated in the chapel in Sallyville House on the 27th October 2023.  The chief celebrant was Bishop John Fleming assisted by Fr. Martin Delaney P.P. Rathdowney, Fr. Billy Swan, administrator Wexford Parish and Fr. Paddy Curtis, Chaplain, Sallyville House.  Her funeral Mass was followed by burial in Foulkstown Cemetery, Kilkenny.

Canice was predeceased by her brothers Joe, Paul, Matt, John and Billy.  She was mourned by her sister-in-law, nephews, nieces and many friends.

Canice will be remembered for her tolerance, gentleness and kindness to people, and her great sence of humour.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilís.