The death has occurred on Sunday 19th February 2017 of Sr Florence (Sheila) O’Sullivan, Drishane House, Millstreet, Cork / Rathmore, Kerry.
Sr Florence (Sheila), Infant Jesus Sister, peacefully at Drishane House, sister of the late Betty (Leane) and Joan. Sadly missed by her brothers Dan and John, sisters Mary (O’Leary), Sister Catherine (I.J.S.), Sister Eileen (Mercy), sister-in-law Hannah, brother-in-law Tom, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandniece, great-grandnephew, Infant Jesus Sisters and a wide circle of friends.
Reposing in Tarrant’s Funeral Home, Millstreet. Rosary tonight, Monday, at 8.15pm. Removal on Tuesday at 8pm to St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 12 noon followed by burial to Drishane Cemetery. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh sí.
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The following is an extract on Sr.Florence from the ijs.ie website:
“As we are trying to become reacquainted with Sister Florence in a new invisible form, the whole of nature explodes into life proclaiming the joy of resurrection. Messages continue to pour in, taking the edge off our grief and giving glimpses into the life of Sr. Florence as a friend and mentor, teacher and principal, member of the Infant Jesus Sisters and O’ Sullivan family. No words can express our appreciation of your prayers, attendance at the removal and Requiem Mass, testimonies, tributes, beautiful flowers and support of every kind. It is difficult to share all the messages and memories that have come from the different corners of the globe. Hopefully, the resume of the following eulogy, written by a friend and co-worker, expresses the best of what we can say about Sr. Florence. “The dawn of the 19th February 2017 brought a very sad day not only for the O’Sullivan family but for the Infant jesus Sisters.It was a day when a leading and visionary light of the community was dimmed. This person was a religious sister with great foresight and her name will forever be etched in history of all our Infant Jesus schools. Thousands worldwide will remember her with sincere love and affection: her name is Sister Florence O’Sullivan. This beautiful sister was a wonderful friend to me for over 40 years. I write this with great sadness over the unimaginable loss of a very close friend. I used to phone her often to keep up her spirits. She never lost her sense of humour.During her teaching years and as Principal of the Convent in Klang she worked tirelessly in the field of education and laid a strong foundation for all her students. She was an inspiration to so many. She was always very kind to the less fortunate families and their children.Throughout her time in Klang Convent, she strove to improve their lives and if she could have built a tower she’d make sure that the poor came out on top. Her beautiful spirit will live on through the many lives she taught and touched. I admired how she never judged or forced her opinions on anyone, but offered valuable and truthful advice that I will surely miss. It was such a comfortable and warm feeling to have known that we had such a lifetime friendship. My husband thought very highly of her and we shall always cherish the memories of her visits to our home and our trips to Ireland. My very dear Sr. Florence now rests in peace.” Flor’s response to all this would be: “You well know I aint no saint”! Yes, she was human after all, but, those of us who were gathered round her deathbed for the liturgy of her last fare well before entering Eternal Life, saw her do so with serenity and dignity. The presence of so many, offering support and comfort during the next three days, was a testimony of her love for others and her strong emotional bonds with friends and family as she lived her vocation as an Infant Jesus Sister. “I am the Resurrection and the Life.Whoever believes in Me will never die” John 11: 25-26. Catherine O’Sullivan IJS “