In Memory of Sr. Monica

Sr. Monica Ryan passed away peacefully on April 14, 2020 in the loving care of the staff of Moorehall Lodge, Ardee (Ireland). She will be deeply missed by her loving Community Provincial Sisters, nephews and nieces Joe, Frank, John, Brendan, Mary, Ester, Dermot and Tony, extended family and her many friends. There will be a private funeral Mass celebrated on Thursday, April 16th at the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Ardee with a memorial Mass to be held at a future date. (Slightly edited from her obituary)

We wanted to share this with the community since so many have come to know and love Sr. Monica. She was the founding principal at Ascension Catholic School, served as Holy Name of Jesus' School's first principal and returned to Ascension School in 1990 to set up the first computer lab. When she left in 1995 there were 18 new computers in the new lab, and now we have more than 184 computers in the school. Sr. Monica remained connected to our community, coming back for the School's 50th anniversary, and would print out our bulletin and leave it in the chapel in Ardee for everyone to pray with.

Father Eamon fondly remembers visiting with Sr. Monica at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse in Ireland when she was 90 years old. "I asked if she would consider coming back for a visit. Without blinking an eye, Sister Monica said that she would first have to look at her calendar since she was very busy. “As you may not know Father, I teach old people about computers.” This refers to work teaching technology to adults in the Centre in Ardee Co. Louth, “Meitheal an Ferdia.” Just goes to show how someone at 90 can be young at heart.

God of endless ages,
from one generation to the next
you have been our refuge and strength.
Before the mountains were born
or the earth came to be,
you are God.
Have mercy now on your servant Sr. Monica
whose long life was spent in your service.
Give her a place in your kingdom
where hope is firm for all who love 
and rest is sure for all who serve.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Click here to view the whole message as sent to the parish.