Fermanagh obituary: Sr. Gertrude Lynn

Sr. Gertrude passed peacefully on the morning of March 17,

She was the third daughter of Kathleen and Dominick Lynn, The Rock, Ballyshannon, christened Gertrude Philomena, into their happy family life, where she joined her two elder sisters, Mary and Joan.

The arrival of their youngest sister, Carmel, formed a happy foursome.

They grew up surrounded by the beauty of the old Ballyshannon, the River Erne dividing the town into the Clogher Diocese and the Raphoe Diocese.

Gertrude grew up in the Clogher Diocese but her first school was in the Raphoe Diocese, where she was taught by the Ballyshannon Sisters of Mercy.

She was an earnest, intelligent young girl, very touched by the religious ethos of the school, which echoed the values of her home.

These values were furthered underlined when Gertrude went for her secondary education to Mount Lourdes, Enniskillen, where she again encountered the Mercy Sisters.

These were happy, carefree days as Gertrude followed in the footsteps of her sister, Mary, studying, enjoying the games and the camaraderie of her young companions. Like Mary, she was drawn to the Mercy way of life. Mary joined the Convent in Enniskillen, taking the name ‘Sr Perpetua’.

Later, Gertrude entered the Convent, taking the name ‘Sr Consilii’, after the Marian title, Mother of Good Counsel. After Vatican II, she reverted to her baptismal name, Gertrude.

Gertrude’s initial years in the convent were a time of prayerful formation in religious life.

Her training for ministry entailed studying for her BA in Queen’s University, Belfast, specialising in English and History, and obtaining a post-graduate qualification in Education from Strawberry Hill College.

From 1956, for the next 35 years Gertrude dedicated her life to teaching and forming the young students in Mount Lourdes.

She was a most earnest, conscientious teacher and her students learned much life-wisdom from her carefully prepared classes.

Former students speak of her quiet sense of humour and her kindness.

In later years, as Senior teacher and as principal, she proved to be a kind leader, open to the needs of her staff, and encouraging them in their various projects.

Bridie Tannian, her vice-principal, wrote movingly of her initiatives as principal when she retired.

On her well-earned retirement, Gertrude took a well-deserved sabbatical in Spokane, USA, and Mountjoy Square, Dublin.

These pastoral ministry courses were of inspiration to herself personally and to her new ministry – setting up and managing St. Michael’s Parish Bookshop.

This proved a very blessed spot, where many came seeking advice, prayer and support.

Bridie Tannian joined her in the shop, and together they formed a very capable and welcoming duo at the helm.

Gertrude was to remain in the bookshop for 26 years and could look back over years rich in helping others in their search for an alive and inspiring faith.

During this time, she served as local leader in the convent, and showed a kind, compassionate care for all, especially the Sisters in advancing years.

Sr. Gertrude’s final years were spent quietly in the convent enjoying the peace and freedom of retirement, living a prayer-filled life in community and happy on her many walks and trips with her sister, Mary, to Ballyshannon.

God’s final call came early on the morning of March 17. Surrounded by the prayers and support of the Sisters, especially her own blood sister, Sr. Mary Patricia, she went home to the God whom she had loved and served so well.

Sr. Gertrude’s wake was attended by her family and many friends, including Monsignors Peter O’Reilly, La Flynn and Fathers Raymond Donnelly and Niall Martin, Sisters of Mercy from the Northern Province, former students and staff from Mount Lourdes, the Parish Bookshop, and the convent, Enniskillen.

After a farewell service in the convent chapel on March 18, Sr. Gertrude was removed to St. Michael’s Parish Church, flanked by a guard of honour from the former and present staff of Mount Lourdes, and the manager and staff from the convent.

V. Rev. Monsignor Peter O’Reilly was the celebrant and homilist at the Funeral Mass, paying a moving tribute to Sr. Gertrude’s rich life of devoted ministry.

The large congregation included Sr. Gertrude’s family and many friends, Canon Michael McGourty, Deacon Martin Donnelly, Sisters Rose Marie Conlan and Perpetua McNulty, PLT., Sisters of Mercy from the Northern Province.

Inspiring music was provided by Mrs. Claire Kelly (cousin), Johnny Beatty (organist) and Sister Marie Cox.

The burial took place in the convent cemetery, and so Sr. Gertrude was laid to rest where she had often visited and prayed.

Sr. Gertrude is survived by her sister, Sr. Mary Patricia Lynn; her niece, Ann Travers; her nephews, Tom, Martin, Paul and Hugh Travers; her cousins and many relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Kathleen and Dominick Lynn; her sisters, Joan Travers and Carmel; her brother-in-law, Tom; and her niece, Mary Travers.