Obituary: Sr. Elizabeth Moran

On August 30, 1932, Kathleen Moran was born to Mary Ellen and James Moran in the picturesque world of Rossy, near Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim.

Here she enjoyed a happy childhood with her siblings, Maura, Eileen, John, Jimmy and Tommy.

In her late teens she followed a course in Catering at the College of Catering, Cathal Brugha St. in Dublin.

During this time, she gave serious consideration to a religious vocation, and so, in 1953, she made her final decision, joining the Sisters of Mercy in Enniskillen.

Here she entered wholeheartedly into her religious formation, part of a group of lively young Sisters.

In 1954 she was received into the Mercy Congregation and given the name Sr. Elizabeth as her new name in religious life.

Elizabeth was soon putting her catering skills to work, first in the Convent of Mercy, Enniskillen where there was a large busy community.

This was followed by a year in St. Michael’s College, Enniskillen, and then six years in Mount Lourdes Grammar School, where she helped look after the young students in the school canteens.

Ever willing to go where there was a need, her next call was to the Bishop’s House in Monaghan, where she cared for the ageing Bishop O’Callaghan.

The following 13 years she was Catering Officer in St. Mary’s Hospital, Castleblayney, where she cared for the elderly residents, both those who were bed-ridden, and those who were able to come to the busy canteen.

Following these busy years, Elizabeth was assigned to Clogher for a change of ministry and life-style, acting as a supervisory assistant in St. Macartan’s Primary School.

She enjoyed the young children and adjusted gratefully to a slower tempo of life. She found herself happily occupied as sacristan, homemaker and visiting families in the parish.

Home circumstances changed for Elizabeth when her brother, Jimmy, died suddenly, leaving her sister, Maura, living alone.

Elizabeth moved to Ballinamore in order to be near and help Maura. Initially, she lived with the Ballinamore Sisters, who gave her a warm welcome and helped her settle into her new life.

As Maura’s health declined, Elizabeth moved to live with her and gave her every care and comfort.

This was a happy time for her, and she remained in Maura’s house when Maura had to move to a local nursing home.

She visited her frequently, seeing to her every need, and forming strong friendships with the good neighbours and friends.

In 2018, Maura went home to God, and Elizabeth was now ready to return to Enniskillen Convent.

It was as if her life had come full circle, and she found herself very much at home with Sisters whom she knew so well.

This period of her life was quiet and prayerful. There was peace around her, and she appreciated the kindness that surrounded her from the Sisters and the very kind carers.

During recent years, Elizabeth’s health declined, but she proved pleasant and welcoming to all who called for a chat.

God’s final call came on July 18, as she was taken to the South West Acute Hospital. There, on the morning of July 19, accompanied by the prayers of Sr. Brenda, she breathed her last.

May her good soul rest in peace.

On the morning of July 22, Elizabeth’s Sisters said farewell to her.

As the hearse made its way to St. Michael’s Church, the Sisters of Mercy, staff from the Convent, and staff and students from Mount Lourdes formed a guard of honour along the Convent Avenue and at the entrance to St. Michael’s Church.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated by Rev. Raymond Donnelly, who conveyed Monsignor Peter O’Reilly’s sympathy on the death of Sr. Elizabeth and his tribute to the good work she carried out in Clogher Parish.

In attendance were V. Rev. Noel Canon McGahan, P.P. Clogher, V. Rev. Sean Maun, P.P., V.F. Ballinamore, Srs. Rose Marie Conlan and Aine Campbell (Provincial Team), Sisters of Mercy from the local convent and area groups, several relatives of Elizabeth, her faithful friends, and good neighbours. Burial followed in the convent cemetery.

Elizabeth is survived by her nieces, Linda and Marian; her nephews, Patrick, Bernard and Kevin; and her cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, Mary Ellen and James Moran; her sisters, Eileen and Maura, and her brothers, Tommy, John and Jimmy.

Sr. Elizabeth’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated at noon on Sunday, August 28, in St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen. It can be viewed on the parish webcam.