Nationality: Irish
Congregational Register No. 706
D.O.B. 12.03.1920
First Profession 03.04.1967
Died: 10.11.01 Aged: 81 years

Born in Ballina, Co. Mayo, Sr. Florence Walshe came from a family of eight children. The family moved to Fenagh, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, while she was a child and this she regarded as home. Her father died when she was only 17, and Florence dedicated many of her early years to supporting the family. She took several jobs near home, but later went to the USA, where she trained in child care, geriatrics and convalescent care. She worked for several years as a companion to two elderly ladies.

During all this time, Florence had been considering religious life and applied to join MMM aged 44. While MMM leadership at the time had some hesitation because of her age, Florence entered MMM in Clonmel in September 1964.

After initial formation Sr. Florence remained in Drogheda. She was a good driver and taught many sisters in Drogheda to drive. She kept her own tools and was very adept at mending small appliances such as clocks and radios. During her period of temporary profession, she had some ill health but improved sufficiently to be able to make perpetual profession in 1974.

She was to have Ill health to some extent for the rest of her life, so it was not possible for her to have an overseas assignment. She accepted this cheerfully and used her talents in helping others prepare for their assignments. She belonged to the Old Drogheda Historical Society and was an enthusiastic member of the Drogheda Gardening Club. She was of great assistance to some members by taking their exhibits to the annual horticultural show. Florence was also a great reader, especially of the Scriptures

When Áras Mhuire opened in 1994, Sr. Florence was one of the first members of the new community. Both residents and staff remember Florrie constantly extending small gestures of kindness towards others. She was often there with a cup of tea or a small flower. Sr. Florence remained in Áras Mhuire until her death in November 2001.

Sr. Florence is buried in Drogheda.