Rest in Peace Sr. Clare (Mary) Houlihan SMG 1924 – 2019

Sr. Clare was born Mary Houlihan to  Ellen and Denis Houlihan,  Stagmount, Headford Killarney, Co. Kerry. Following her secondary education, she entered the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, making her Final Profession on her 25^th birthday.

This was followed by teacher training in Digby Stuart College in Roehampton.

Sr. Clare was a well-loved teacher in Shepherd’s Bush and Chippenham prior to being missioned to Philadelphia.  She dearly loved her eighteen years in ‘Philly’, where she spent eight years as a competent and innovative headmistress, who had a special care for those who had difficulty in learning or who came from deprived backgrounds.

On retirement from teaching, Clare spent a few years in USA doing pastoral ministry.  She returned to Brentford in ill health but continued to be a most community-minded Sister, who “seemed to wake up every morning and look around to see what service she could render”.

She loved God, her family, her country, her Congregation.  She was totally devoted to others especially to children.

All who met her, family, SMGs and others speak of her sense of fun.  She had a great sense of humour,  was an expert at  practical jokes, and had a  marvellous ability to mimic others.

Her final community move was to Taylorville in Liverpool where prayerful and peaceful she still had a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Her final months were silent, in close union with her beloved.  She died peacefully with Sisters and carers at her side on July 19^th.  May she now enjoy the fullness of life with God.