Tributes paid to late Mayo woman who was 'a true angel'
Sr Annunciata (Teresa) O'Grady RIP.
Great sadness was felt in many counties across the country and the UK last week, following the news of Sister Annunciata (Teresa) O’Grady’s passing.
Sr Annunciata, formerly of Greenhills, Islandeady, Castlebar, died peacefully in the loving care of the Sisters of St John of God and the staff of Sallyville House Convent, Wexford, on Friday, January 5.
She is predeceased by her parents Mary Fergus and Martin O’Grady, her three sisters, Sr Fidelis, Bridget and Margaret, and her brother Austin.
Deeply regretted by her loving nephews Martin and Austin, nieces Ann McGauran, London, Bridie Eveson, Essex and Tessie Tyndal, Galway, in-laws, great nieces and nephews, and extended family.
The Funeral Mass took place on Monday, January 8, in Sallyville House. In attendance were those who knew Sr Annunciata (who was often called Sr Nuncie) for her work in St John of God National School, Waterford.
Sr Nuncie was known for her kindness and her caring nature and she was part of the Waterford community for more than 60 years.
She’s remembered fondly, particularly by those who met her during her time of having a preschool in the Waterford National School.
In a lovely tribute by the staff of the school, it was mentioned that Sr Nuncie would always have a bag of jellies with her, which she “gave to all the children she encountered throughout the day.
“Many will recall Sr Nuncie giving them jellies well into their adult lives.”
Not only was Sr Nuncie known for her nurturing characteristics, but also for her talent and skill at crocheting, as she made crochet blessings for new babies all over Waterford City and further afield. These crafted pieces by Sr Nuncie are treasured by many.
The friendliness and kind soul of Sr Nuncie wasn’t limited to helping those in their junior years but extended to everyone in the community in Waterford and Wexford.
Sr Nuncie dedicated her time to working with the elderly and the sick in the area and she used to cycle every day to both St Patrick’s Hospital and Ardkeen. She was also remembered by those who recall her helping and praying for their relatives when they were ill.
Father Liam Power echoed the sentiments of those in the St John of God National School and described Sr Nuncie as a truly selfless person that had a “remarkable ministry”.
“I referred to her as the Mother Teresa of Waterford and I think the people would agree that it would be an apt description of her,” said Fr Power.
“She had a wonderful outlook and disposition. She had almost a child-like innocence about her in a way that she was absolutely genuine and sincere,” he added.
Fr Power admirably described her as one of the nuns who “really stood out” during controversial times of the Catholic Church, as a nun “who was genuine and embodied the spirit of what it should be.” Sr Nuncie would visit those in need of prayers across the community and it would never be in vain. She would pray with people, in complete confidence, and Fr Power said because of this, the people of Waterford wouldn’t know about half the work she carried out.
“There were so many people like that, that she’d never say a word about but she’d be praying with them and looking after them,” explained Fr Power, who went on to say that Sr Nuncie provided great ministry to Bishop Russell when he was sick.
Sr Nuncie was also described as “a true angel” by the school and there’s no doubt that her loss is deeply felt among the community.
