'What a great long life you have shared': Limerick's oldest resident, 108, goes to her God

LIMERICK'S oldest resident has gone to her God in her 109th year after living a remarkable life.

Sister Patricia O'Neill, who passed away peacefully in the loving care of the Sisters of Mercy and Staff of Catherine McAuley Nursing Home at old Dominic Street in Limerick city centre, on New Year's Eve.

She had only marked her 108th birthday the previous month, on November 11.

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Born in Rathangan, Co Kildare in 1917, Sr Patricia was only a year old during the historic general election of December 1918 which gave rise to the modern Irish State.

Through a remarkable life, she has seen Ireland change beyond recognition, living through 34 General Elections during a life well lived.

"What a great long life you have shared," wrote one contributor in paying tribute to her on www.rip.ie

The religious sister was the second eldest of four children, two boys and two girls.

Both Patricia and her sister, whom she was very close to, became religious sisters. Her sister was a member of the Poor Clares religious order in Carlow.

She always had a great attitude towards life. She was noted for having a great sense of humour, enjoyed her life and loved to travel around Ireland.

A wonderfully creative individual and was gifted in arts and crafts, she would use her talents to raise funds for the missions and to help the poor. 

She always took great interest in her family, loved music and loved to sing and she attributed her long life to a good diet and not taking life too seriously. 

She entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1951 and  also trained as a nurse, working voluntarily for many years. 

Sr Patricia became a resident of Catherine McAuley House Nursing Home in 2009 and when her health allowed was the life and soul of the house. 

"May Sr Patricia enjoy her well deserved reward in Heaven. What an amazing age to live to be - a living history! What a different world she has lived through. May she now rest in eternal peace," read another tribute to the centenarian on www.rip.ie

Sr Patricia is predeceased by her parents Laurence and Anna Stella (nee Campion), her Uncle Fr Campion of the Kildare and Leighlin Diocese, as well as her nieces,  Sr. Áine, Eilish and Colette.

She will repose at Griffin's Funeral Home in John's Gate this Friday afternoon from 3pm with prayers at 4.30pm.

Her funeral Mass will take place at St Mary's Church, Athlunkard Street on Saturday, January 3 at 11am.

She will be laid to rest following this in St Mary's Convent Cemetery.

The Mass will be available to view at: https://www.churchservices.tv/limerickstmaryscatholicchurch

Messages of condolence can be sent to www.griffinfunerals.com or by post to Griffin’s Funeral Home, John's Gate, Pennywell, Limerick, V94 Y2W4.

A life well lived. May she rest in eternal peace.