Obituary: Sr Gertrude Murphy

On June 7, 1940, Bridget and Michael Murphy from Ballyreagh, Tempo, were blessed with the gift of a baby girl – Rose Mary.

In later years, their family would consist of Pat, Rose Mary and Michael. Rose Mary’s father was a dedicated farmer, and he was famous for the model farm he developed at Ballyreagh.

All three children were happily involved in the farming life, and developed a love of nature and respect for the land.

School began in Mullanaskea Primary School, and built on the solid foundation of the Murphy household.

Later, Rose Mary would travel to Enniskillen to follow her secondary education in Mt. Lourdes. It was here she first encountered the Mercy Sisters, who were to play such an important role in her life. She also formed strong bonds of friendship with her young companions.

After her time in Mt. Lourdes, Rose Mary received a Call to Training in 1958 and proceeded to St. Mary’s Training College, Belfast.

She spoke fondly of her time there, and enjoyed the excitement of new friends and the challenge of her first forays into the classroom.

During her final year in Belfast, she made the decision to give her life to God in religious life, and to join the Sisters of Mercy in Enniskillen.

On September 23, 1961 she entered the convent there, and was soon happily settled into a new way of life.

A deeply pious young woman, she entered generously into the daily communal life. On her reception into the congregation in August, 1962, she was given the new name, Sr. Gertrude.

On her Final Profession in 1967, she took for her motto, “Thy Will Be Done”. The young Gertrude had her focus on God’s plans.

Her first appointment was to the Convent Primary School, where she proved a well-loved teaching colleague. She enjoyed being with the young children, and took a keen interest in their parents and families.

In 1988 came the next move, this time to join the Clogher community, to teach in St. Macartan’s School, and to be Local Leader of the community.

After a happy time in the Clogher valley, Gertrude returned to Enniskillen in 1995, became active in the local Charismatic Prayer Group, followed courses in Cruse Bereavement and Weeks of Guided Prayer, and helped on the one-day retreats on Lough Derg.

During this time, she was glad that she could care for her ailing mother during the final weeks of her life. Her father had already died in September, 1979.

Ever generous in helping others, Gertrude was once again asked to set out for another location – this time, Dungannon Convent, where she carried the role of Local Leader, and entered fully into the prayer ministry and apostolic needs of the parish.

Gertrude was happy in this bustling Tyrone town, and became very much part of the friendly Mercy community.

In 2005, the call came again for Gertrude to uproot and travel – this time to Laytown, Co. Meath.

Here she became co-ordinator of the Mission House, and played an active role in helping missionaries, on a break, find welcome and encouragement.

She also immersed herself in the life of the parish, its prayer ministry, its Circle of Mercy and the local convent.

She even spent some time in Zambia and acquired a deep love for the native people, and an understanding of their needs.

In 2011, Gertrude finished her assignment in Laytown and felt the need to return to her original home: the convent, Enniskillen.

Here she received a warm welcome from her many old friends , and was soon as busy as ever in the convent, in the parish, in the Prayer Group at the Graan.

Her energy and zeal were boundless, and she was noted for her obliging nature when it came to driving Sisters to their various destinations.

Furthermore she became a very active member of the Parish Bereavement Group, working for the drop-in counselling centre for the bereaved.

Those with sorrow were sure to find in her a listening ear, a kind word, and an earnest prayer.

No matter how busy, Gertrude found time for her family. She loved them very much, and looked forward to her family visits, seeing her young nieces and nephews, and the new life in their homes.

For the past two years, Gertrude bore the cross of ill-health cheerfully. Her goodness shone through, and her quiet prayer life was an inspiration to all.

God’s final call came for her in the early hours of September 24, Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, and she slipped away peacefully to the God whom she had loved so wholeheartedly and served so generously.

Sr. Gertrude’s Funeral Mass was celebrated by Monsignor Peter O’Reilly in St. Michael’s Parish Church, Enniskillen. It was attended by family members, Sisters of Mercy from Enniskillen Convent and surrounding areas, Srs. Rose Marie Conlan and Aine Campbell (N. Province), with her burial following in the convent cemetery.

Gertrude is survived by her much-loved nieces and nephews – Claire, Mairead, Catherine, Caroline, Ciaran, Sean, Ignatius, James and Vernon – and her devoted sister-in-law, Kathleen.

She was predeceased by her caring brothers, Pat and Michael, and her loving sisters-in-law, Kathleen and Ann.

Sr. Gertrude’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated at 6pm on Saturday, November 14, in St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen, and can be viewed on the parish webcam.

May she Rest in Peace.