Late Sister Stephaine Purcell, Formerly of Littleton.

The death of Littleton centenarian, Sister Stephaine Purcell, took place recently at Catherine McCauley House, in Limerick.

Born in July 1917 to parents John and Catherine Purcell, Littleton; Sister Stephaine was the youngest of five children and was predeceased by her brother Phil,⁽¹⁾ her three sisters Mary, Nan, and Sister Virgilius.

Sister Stephaine entered Westbourne Convent, Limerick in the year 1940, to train as a teacher and completed her education at Froebel; while serving mostly in Limerick and in Ballinamore, in Co.Leitrim.

She worked in Mount Vincent Children Care Centre, with which she had a life long contact. She spent fifteen years of her apostolate as Mistress of Novice, in Limerick (1958 – 1973 ), and was responsible for the early formation of Sisters from both the Cashel and Killaloe dioceses.

She was an avid reader, retaining and continuously updating her interest in theology and spirituality; and was a great lover of poetry. She enjoyed her 100th birthday celebrations and eagerly corresponded with family members, friends and the many people who passed through, under her tutelage.

Sister Stephaine is sadly missed by her Mercy Convent Community; her nieces; nephews; grand-nieces; grand-nephews; extended family; many loyal friends; and the staff of Catherine McCauley House.

A number of people from her native Littleton, Co. Tipperary, attended the obsequies. Funeral Mass was held in St. Mary’s Church, Limerick and her interment took place in St.Mary’s Convent Cemetery, Limerick.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a h-anam dílis.

^{(1) Her brother, Mr Phil Purcell, was a great G.A.A. administrator, hurler and referee. He won ten Mid Tipperary medals, six County Tipperary medals, one Munster Championship medal, one National League medal and five Railway Cup medals. He also toured America four times, both as a player and team manager. He was secretary of the Moycarkey-Borris Club, Mid Tipperary and the Co. Tipperary Board (1948 – 1961 ).}

[ Report comes courtesy of local correspondent Mr Gerry Bowe. ]