Nationality: Irish
Congregational Register No: 131
D.O.B. 15.12.1926
First Profession: 02.07.1947
Died: 01.06.1988 Aged: 62 years

Bridie, from Drumcollogher, Co. Limerick, entered MMM in Drogheda on 24 October 1944. She was a gifted homemaker and organiser.

After profession, she ministered for a year in St. Patrick’s, Kiltegan, and then for another year as sister-in-Charge in Rosemount. She was then assigned to the Apostolic nunciature in Dublin where she worked from 1950 to 1953 before returning to Drogheda to do her midwifery training.

In 1955 she was assigned to Nigeria and did nursing in Urua Akpan and Akpa Utong. She pioneered the new mission in Ikot Ene, Calabar. It was from Ikot Ene, during the Nigerian civil war, that she was taken and imprisoned for some days.

She returned to Ireland in 1968 and spent two years nursing Mother Mary before doing her general nurse training in the IMTH. After finishing her training, she was re-assigned to Nigeria, where she worked in the health centre in Zungeru for four years, and then for a further year in the remedial clinic in Ukana.

She returned to Ireland and during 1980 to 1981 was at Airmount Maternity Hospital in Waterford. From 1982 through 1987 she had the dual role of Sister-in-charge of returned missionaries and assistant to the local superior in Drogheda.

She bravely faced a long struggle with cancer. At the same time, her young nephew was in St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin, also with advanced cancer. He recovered. The family believed that Colette offered her life in his place.

Sr. Colette is buried in Drogheda.