Death of a remarkable SMG - Sr M Clare Lonergan RIP
On May 1st of this year, Sr. Mary Clare celebrated the great grace of her 97th birthday. One can almost imagine the psalmist pausing over the words – “seventy is the sum of our years, or eighty for those who are strong” – and feeling moved to add another verse for a person who journeyed far beyond them with such quiet courage, steadfast faith and generosity of heart. Perhaps he would have written a hymn of thanksgiving for Clare: a song of gratitude for a life poured out in service, a song of victory for a woman who carried the light of God so faithfully through every season of her long pilgrimage. She was, indeed, a remarkable lady – a woman of deep faith, firm resolve, gentle wisdom and enduring strength; a true daughter of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, and a living witness to the beauty of a life given wholly to love.
Following her First Profession in 1946, Clare trained as a nurse at Providence Hospital and later qualified as a midwife through Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. After completing her training and a period of service in Bristol, she dedicated her life to healthcare and missionary work.
A significant chapter of her life began in 1956 when she was sent to Norton, Virginia, USA, where she worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in the Appalachian Mountains. She became deeply attached to the local communities, caring not only for their physical needs but also building lasting relationships and sharing many stories of their culture and resilience.
In 1963, Clare returned to England to serve as Matron (Director of Nursing) at Lourdes Hospital, Liverpool. During her seven years there, she oversaw a period of expansion and development, supported fundraising initiatives, accompanied pilgrims to Lourdes, and was remembered for her warmth, practical help and genuine interest in people.
After a brief return to Norton, she was missioned in 1972 to Maracaibo, Venezuela, where she helped establish the Congregation’s first community there. Despite immense cultural, climatic, and linguistic challenges, she devoted herself to serving the people of the barrios. She cared for the sick, supported families in times of hardship, prayed with people in their homes, and frequently responded to urgent needs at all hours.
Throughout her life, Clare demonstrated remarkable adaptability, compassion and dedication. Whether in Ireland, England, the United States or Venezuela, she immersed herself in the lives of the people she served. Her ministry was marked by kindness, practical service, deep faith and a profound commitment to bringing comfort and hope to those most in need.
Rest in peace, dear Clare – querida Hermana Clara. You were truly a Woman of Substance. Your legacy of faith, love, humour, courage and service will remain with us always.