Book of Condolences opened for Ireland’s oldest woman and shelter founder

Olivia Kelleher

A Book of Condolences has been opened in Cork city for Edel House founder Sr Colette Hickey, following her death at the age of 108.

Sr Colette opened the emergency shelter for women and children in the early 1970’s.

She was the oldest woman in Ireland at the time of her death.

The book will be available for signing by members of the public in the Atrium of the Civic Offices on Anglesea Street from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, for the next two weeks.

In a tribute on Wednesday, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Damian Boylan said that Sr Colette’s passing is a profound loss, not just to those who knew her personally, but to the people of Cork, and the wider community that benefited from her life’s work.

“She will be remembered as a woman of deep compassion and unwavering commitment to those most in need.

“As the founder of Edel House, she created a place of shelter and sanctuary where dignity, respect, and hope could be restored to women and families facing homelessness and hardship.

“As well as providing practical help to those in need, Sr Colette also provided perhaps something more important - human kindness and understanding.

“She was, for many, a steady presence in times of crisis, someone who listened without judgment and acted with genuine care.”

Boylan added that her vision and her efforts transformed lives.

“Her legacy is evident in the many lives she touched. Her spirt lives on in Edel House.
May she rest in peace.”

Meanwhile, Sr Colette was the first recipient of the Cork Person of the Year award in 1993.

She was a native of Barracree, Ballinamult in Waterford.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, great grand nieces and nephews, a great great grandnephew, extended family, her Good Shepherd Community, residents and staff in Baile an Aoire, and her many friends.

Her funeral mass will take place tomorrow (Friday) at 11am in St Joseph’s Church in Mayfield, Cork with burial following at St Catherine’s Cemetery in Kilcully, Co Cork.