Sister Kathleen McMenamin

Sr. Kathleen’s death on 2^nd. January 2019, brought to an end a long, active life that began in 1911, in Glasgow, Scotland.  She was the second youngest of seven children born to Irish parents, Michael and Bridget McMenamin, who instilled into their children their own strong faith, which was also passed on to the next generation.  Two members of the family entered religious life, one with the daughters of Divine Charity, Sr. Mary Angela, and Kathleen with the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions.

Kathleen received her early education with the Sisters of Mercy in Garnethill, Glasgow and it seems that at some stage, in those early years, she was attracted to religious life.  As a young person, she spent many holidays with her Aunt, in Co. Donegal, Ireland, a place she loved and considered home.  While there, on one occasion, it was decided that she would go to Limavady Boarding School to study for her School Certificate, to enable her to apply for teacher training. But after spending some time with the Sisters, she changed her mind.  She felt the earlier desire for religious life resurfacing, so, instead of doing her examination, she decided to become a Sister of our Lady of the Missions. In 1932 she went to Hastings, to begin what was to be a very long, devoted life in our Congregation.

Sr. Kathleen made her First Profession in 1934 after which she was missioned to Deal where she remained for five years.  She was in charge of the boarders and taught in both Junior and Senior schools.  When World War 11 broke in 1939, Sister was transferred to St. Anne’s convent, Sturry.  As in Deal, she helped in the boarding school and taught Senior pupils.  She also studied, for her School Certificate.  She had a great gift for languages and became proficient in French in which she specialised, when she went to college in 1944. Later, she took up the study of Spanish, teaching herself from start to A level.  This was to become her preferred subject for teaching.  She loved to impart knowledge to others and right into her nineties, she continued to take individual students for private lessons in either French or Spanish.

She taught in Sturry from 1949 to 1957 after which she was transferred to Chew Magna where she taught French in the senior school and was also Deputy headmistress.   However, after some years, it became obvious that the senior school could not continue, due to falling numbers and a shortage of teaching Sisters.  It eventually closed in 1986.  This was a difficult time for Kathleen as she saw her ministry as that of teaching children. She loved them, and with a very generous dedication, worked with all.  Kathleen remained on in Chew Magna, helping in the Junior School, doing remedial work and giving private classes in French and Spanish.  She also did the school accounts.  Unfortunately, in 1996, the Junior School also closed.  In 1999, Sr. Kathleen was transferred to St. Anne’s Convent, Sturry where she was to spend the remainder of her life.  She continued to be active, taking private students who needed help in French and Spanish.

One of the highlights of Kathleen’s life was the celebration of her Golden Jubilee in 1984. Her nephew, Fr. Thomas, a Capuchin, was the celebrant and members of her family from America, Ireland, Scotland and England were there, as was her sister, Sr. Mary Angela.  It was a most enjoyable day for Kathleen, the memory of which stayed with her, one to which she often referred.  Another highlight, of course, was the celebration of her 100^th birthday.  Her immediate family had all died by this time, but nephews, nieces and grandchildren came for the celebration and received a wonderful reception in St. Anne’s.

Kathleen was blessed with a great memory and clear mind and that stayed with her until God called her home on 2^nd. January 2019. May she rest in peace.

Her funeral Mass, with that of Sr. Mary Joan Smyth, was concelebrated on 31, January in St. Anne’s Chapel, Sturry.  Fr, Malachy was the chief celebrant, assisted by Fr. Bradley from Beechcourt and Fr. O’Shea from Ireland. The Provincial Leadership Team, and Sisters from Deal and London, joined the Sisters in Sturry to give God thanks for the lives of the two Sisters.  Sr. Kathleen’s family was represented by her nephew Lawrence and nieces Rita and Kathleen from Scotland.

‘How goodness and kindness pursue me, every day of my life; my home, the house of Yahweh, as long as I live’ Psalm 24