Byrne, Sr. Patricia


Byrne, Sr. Patricia

Sister Patricia was born in Dunboyne, Co. Meath in February 1933. She had her early education locally and then went on to study in Dublin in book-keeping and secretarial skills. She entered MMM in 1958. Even during her initial religious formation, Sister Patricia was already working in the I.M.T.H. (Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital) in Stores and later in administration. Soon after her First Profession, she switched over to the Lourdes Maternity Hospital where she worked as a medical secretary and in charge of records.

Sr. Patricia was a good administrator and remained in this role in the Maternity Hospital for over seven years. During the time of the Extraordinary General Chapter (1969-70) she was relieved of her role in the hospital to work with the Central Preparatory Commission for the upcoming Chapter. She did some early work in compiling Mother Mary’s letters and early drafts of the Constitutions.For two years after this Chapter, she went to Airmount Hospital in Waterford, again as Administrator.

It was in 1971 that Sr. Patricia finally achieved her desire for an overseas mission. She went to Kabanga and over the next almost thirty years spent time in Kabanga, Namanyere and Dareda as Hospital Administrator. She did not have good health at times, and needed some time at home on sick leave. She also spent some time in Ireland caring for her elderly mother.
Sr. Patricia was known for her kindness and gentleness. She had very high principles and was most reliable. She was thorough and noted for her attention to detail. In some ways she was strict, but the Staff appreciated her as they knew she was just and fair in all her dealings with them. She was always attentive when approached for help and was compassionate to those in need. She had a good sense of humour and was full of fun and loved to relax with Sisters. She bore her periods of ill health with fortitude. She also enjoyed being a part of the local parish wherever she lived.

In December 2000, Sr. Patricia was involved in a traffic accident which was serious enough to cause her farewell to Tanzania and her return to Ireland. After a year of recovery, she undertook secretarial duties in the Motherhouse and, over time, became Sacristan as well. As her health deteriorated, she finally retired in 2019 and went to live in Aras Mhuire Nursing Home for the nursing care she needed. She died peacefully there on February 27th, 2022. She is buried in St. Peter’s Cemetery.


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