In Memory

Sr. Elizabeth Crosbie R.I.P.

Elizabeth Crosbie died peacefully in the loving care of the Sisters, Staff and family at Sallyville House on 22nd April 2025.

She was born in Ballymitty on 25th May 1926 to Martin and Catherine Crosbie (nee Byrne). Predeceased by her sisters Mai, and Josephine, and brothers James and Michael.  She sadly missed by her nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, extended family, friends and her St. John of God Community.

Elizabeth attended her local National School in Ballymitty. She entered the St John of God Novitiate 3rd March 1947, made her First Profession 10th April 1950 and Final Profession 30th March 1953.

She volunteered for the North West Australian Mission in1950. She trained as a Primary School Teacher in Perth. She worked in the Orphanage and the Leprorsarium in Derby and taught the Aboriginal children in Broom. These were demanding times in Australia.

Elizabeth returned from Australia in 1967 and joined the St. John of God Community in Bristol, she taught there until 1969. After school hours she would enlist a companion and go to The Teachers Centre to update their teaching skills.  She returned to Broom WA in 1969 and continued her teaching ministry there until 1974 when she came back to join the staff in our Bristol school again.

She returned to Ireland and ministered in Ballyvaloo and Rathdowney for a time. She joined the Community in Waterford 1989 and taught the travelling children in Ballybeg National school until 2010.  She was always on the look out for where the next need was.

During her time in Waterford she developed her gift of woodcarving and made many iconic pieces from bog oak. She had a gifted, creative and adventurous spirit.

Elizabeth retired to Wexford Convent where her love of nature, especially gardening sustained her in that difficult transition. She moved to Sallyville in 2017 where she enjoyed every singsong, party and community gathering!  She loved music.

She is remembered in Sallyville, especially by the staff, for her gregarious spirit and sense of fun. During her final months she struggled, but was aware of the support of family, friends and staff until she went to her final home on 22nd April 2025.

While reposing in Sallyville House Chapel surrounded by community, family and staff there was a sense of joy as many events of her long life and adventurous times were remembered.

Evening Prayer was celebrated with prayers and hymns that Elizabeth loved and sang over her lifetime.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jim Curtis, Sallyville House Chaplain and was followed by burial in her native parish, in St. Peter’s Church Cemetery, Ballymitty.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilís.