The community of Tuam has paid its respects to three locally beloved nuns who passed away within three days of each other.
According to death notices published on RIP.ie this week, the three Sisters of Mercy all had deep ties to the Convent of Mercy in Tuam before their recent passing in Galway.
Sr. Damian Marie Conroy, originally from Brierfield, Abbeyknockmoy, died peacefully at Stella Maria, Galway, on Thursday, January 15th, surrounded by her community and care staff.
The deceased had made arrangements to donate her body to medical science to aid in the “silent teaching of others,” though the notice stated this wish could not be fulfilled due to circumstances beyond her control.
“Deeply mourned and fondly remembered by her sisters Anne and Nuala and her brothers Seamus and Kevin,” the notice for Sr. Damian stated.
She was predeceased by her parents and several siblings, including her twin brother John Enda, who died as an infant.
Sr. Bernardine (Bríd) Morrisroe, formerly of Corofin, Co. Galway, passed away the following day on Friday, January 16th.
She died in the care of staff at St. Patrick’s Ward, University Hospital Galway (UHG), surrounded by her community and family.
“Deeply regretted and fondly remembered by the Sisters of Mercy in Stella Maria and the Western Branch,” her death notice remarked.
Sr. Bernardine is survived by her brother Tomás, her nephew Seán, and many friends in both Ireland and San Diego.
Sr. Teresa (Cecily) Delaney, originally from Gortnagine, Dunmore, became the third member of the community to pass away when she died on Saturday, January 17th.
Like Sr. Bernardine, she passed away at UHG, where she was cared for by the staff of St. Enda’s Ward.
“Fondly remembered and deeply mourned by the Sisters of Mercy, Western Branch, especially the Stella Maria Community,” the notice for Sr. Teresa said.
She is survived by her sisters Frances and Kathleen, as well as her nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Funeral arrangements for the three women involve services at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Tuam.
Sr. Damian’s Mass of the Resurrection is scheduled for Monday, January 19th, followed by burial in the Convent Cemetery, Tuam.
Sr. Bernardine will be laid to rest in the same cemetery following her funeral mass on Wednesday, January 21st.
The Sisters of Mercy have a long-standing history in Tuam, dating back to the mid-19th century when the order first established a presence in the town.
The Convent of Mercy has been a part of the local community for generations, particularly through its involvement in education and healthcare services in the north Galway region.