The death has occurred of the much-loved and highly-respected Sr Paula O’Dwyer, a former teacher in Portlaoise and member of the Presentation Sisters. She was aged 102.
She was a primary school teacher in Portlaoise for over 40 years, who was described by Teddy Fennelly, her friend and former Leinster Express editor as a ‘living saint’. Teddy was also one of Sr Paula’s first students in Portlaoise.
Sr Paula was originally from Limerick and passed away in Shalom Nursing Home in Kilcock in Kildare. Her funeral and burial will take place in Portlaoise on Friday.
“The many good people of Portlaoise who passed through her gentle hands for 40 years will be saddened to hear the news,” wrote Teddy in a touching tribute.
“She was the first point of contact for all the young people of the town with school, and all who went to her Hal’penny Babies class will remember her kindness to her intrepid young first day pupils.
“Through the 1940s and ’50s life was tough for most people. People had very little of the food or luxuries we enjoy today. School was a tough place too.
“But in Portlaoise we had this living saint among us that guided us through those testing early days of school life with a kindness and forbearance that turned into most beautiful memories for us all in our later lives.
“Sr Paula was a Limerick women who made her home and religious life amongst several generations of Portlaoise people who will be ever grateful to her and her memory in the sincerest possible way.
“I was fortunate to keep in touch with her into her old age. I remember that first day in school and first meeting this wonderful woman who has left such lovely memories of how kind a person can be in all and every situation – a lasting impression of goodness that has remained with me throughout my life.”
Sr Paula is predeceased by her parents James and Elizabeth, her brother Jack and sister Mary. Deeply regretted by her cousins especially Helen, Presentation Community, relatives, past pupils and friends.
She is reposing in Shalom Nursing Home, Kilcock on Thursday, 27th October 2022, from 3pm to 4.30 pm, followed by removal to St Peter and Paul Church, Portlaoise arriving at 6.30 pm.
Requiem Mass on Friday, 28th October 2022, at 12 noon, followed by burial in St Peter and Paul cemetery. Funeral may be followed on www.portlaoiseparish.ie
