Nationality: Irish
Congregational Register No: 286
D.O.B. 26.12.1922
First Profession: 08.09.1953
Died: 28.03.2006 Aged: 83 years

Brigid Farrell was born in Streamstown, Co. Longford to a farming family. She was one of six children – five girls and one boy.  Brigid entered MMM at the age of 28 years, having previously worked as a housekeeper to a lady in Dublin, and took the name Sr. Mary Sarto.

Sr. Sarto worked in the kitchen at Drogheda following novitiate and was missioned to Anua in Nigeria following first profession. Apart from two years as Sister-in-charge at the nunciature in Dublin in the 1960s and a short period as relief Sister in the nunciature again in the 1970s, she spent her active working life in Nigeria.  She was assigned to several different communities over the years, usually in positions of responsibility.

Sr. Sarto was a quiet, gentle and unassuming person, very conscientious, adaptable and versatile.  She was noted for her warm hospitality and her joyful way of performing any service she could for her guests.  Nothing was too much trouble for her.  Sr. Sarto had a quiet way of endearing herself to the many people she met over the years. She spent her last fourteen years in Nigeria in Mafoluku, Lagos, where she is remembered with great affection by everyone as ‘Mama Sarto’.

Sr. Sarto returned to Ireland in 1999 and was assigned to St. Mary’s Community in Beechgrove.  The transition was difficult for her due to the climate change and some health problems, but she never complained.

Sr. Sarto spent her latter years as a member of Áras Mhuire.  Following a stroke, she lost the ability to communicate verbally, which must have been a great cross to bear.  Although she was unable to speak, she was aware of everything and communicated with her eyes and gentle smile in her usual patient and humble manner.  The staff in Áras loved her and mourned openly when she died.

Sr. Sarto was laid to rest in St. Peter’s Cemetery, following her funeral Mass, her gentle soul at peace for ever.