Nationality: Irish
Congregational Register No. 423
D.O.B. 01.10.1924
First Profession 20.10.1958
Died: 05.07.2005   Aged: 80 years
Bernadette Larney came from Kileen in Co. Louth. She was from a large family of six boys and three girls. After completing her secondary schooling she helped her mother at home for some years before going to England, where she worked as a bank clerk for a time. It was while she was in England that Bernadette heard of MMM and decided to enter. She was 31 years of age and at her reception she was given the religious name of Sr. M. Bernadette Therese.

Following postulancy and novitiate in Clonmel and Drogheda, Sr. Bernadette remained in Drogheda for the next two years, working in central stores and reception. In 1960 she was assigned to Afikpo in Nigeria as hospital secretary. She returned to Ireland in 1963 on medical advice and did not return to Africa again.

For the next six years, Sr. Bernadette worked in the MMM Magazine Office (at that time in Bettystown). She was responsible for the children’s page known as “Peg’s Corner”. She requested permission to undertake nursing training and in 1973 qualified as a state registered nurse in England. She returned to Ireland following her training to nurse her mother who had suffered a coronary. Bernadette cared for her mother for almost two years.

Apart from a short period during 1978, Bernadette did not return to nursing. She remained in Drogheda, working in a series of administrative positions, both within the hospital and the convent. She had a gentle, retiring nature and was very conscientious in her work. In later years she was the liaison person with the various branches of the Apostolic Work Society in Ireland and enjoyed this work of helping the overseas missions. Bernadette was devoted to both Our Lady and St. Bernadette and the Rosary was very important to her. She was deeply spiritual and prayed often.

She died as quietly and peacefully as she had lived; called home to God at 11:30 on the evening of 5 July 2005. Her gentle smile will be missed by her family and friends.