Sadness in a Limerick community following the passing of an 'upright and sincere' member of the community
DEEP sadness is being felt in a County Limerick school and community following the passing of Sister Jerome Darcy who “dedicated her life to the community of Rathkeale”.
Coláiste na Trócaire in Rathkeale has paid tribute to the late Sr Jerome in a post on social media.
“Our whole school community is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved Sister Jerome (former Principal of Scoil Bhanríon na hEagna, Thomas Street, Rathkeale), at the age of 91,” the school began.
Sr Jerome was born in Miltown Malbay, Co.Clare.
Born Mary Darcy, she started her teaching training in 1949 and completed her teaching degree in University College Cork according to Coláiste na Trócaire.
Sr Jerome joined the Mercy Order in 1951.
From there she journeyed on to Rathkeale, the place she loved so dearly and it is here she spent her entire working life.
“It was while here in Rathkeale, Sister Jerome met and formed long-lasting friendships with Mrs Eileen Keating and Mrs Peggy O’Connell. In 1967, they joined their school in Ballingarry, Scoil Cill Sheáin, with Sister Jerome’s Scoil Bhanríon na hEagna here in Rathkeale,” the school mentioned.
In the 1990s the two schools in Rathkeale Scoil Bhanríon na hEagna and Rathkeale Vocational School amalgamated to form Coláiste na Trócaire.
“Sister Jerome dedicated her life to the community of Rathkeale, leaving behind a legacy of Education and Philosophy,” the statement from the school continued.
“Sister Jerome was loved by everyone who knew her. She was upright, sincere, and always kept people at heart.
“Sister Jerome will be sadly missed by her loving family; her Sisters of Mercy Community; her many beloved past pupils; her former colleagues and by all here in Coláiste na Trócaire who knew and loved her. May Sister Jerome Rest in Eternal Peace.”
Sr Jerome died peacefully, surrounded by her sisters of Mercy Community and the staff of Catherine McAuley House.
Her funeral took place this Saturday at 11am in St Mary’s Church, Rathkeale with burial afterwards in St Mary’s Convent Cemetery.