Tributes paid to Sr Mary Teresa Reilly, Mullingar and Drogheda

Sr Mary Teresa Reilly - 'a perfectionist, in her professional and in her personal life'

Tributes are being paid to Sr Mary Teresa Reilly, Medical Missionaries of Mary, Drogheda, County Louth, and formerly from Brotenstown, Mullingar, USA and Uganda, who died on January 30 last, peacefully, in Aras Mhuire Nursing Home, Drogheda.

Sr Mary Teresa was predeceased by her parents, Daniel and Elizabeth and sister Angela. She will be sadly missed by her brother John, sisters Sheila, Kathleen, Eileen and Evelyn, sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and their families, relatives and many friends, and her MMM Community.

Sr Mary Teresa was born in Mullingar in July 1937. Her early education was in local schools and she was trained as a secretary and book-keeper. For three years, she worked as a clerk in a Galway firm before joining MMM in 1958.

Even during her initial religious formation, Sr Mary Teresa’s administrative abilities were noted.

Immediately after First Profession of Vows, she was sent to the International Missionary Training Hospital (IMTH) and worked there for several years in clerical positions before being appointed as hospital administrator.

During that period (1960-1974), Sr Mary Teresa was constantly upgrading her professional education, and she achieved a Higher Diploma in Hospital and Health Services Administration.

In 1974, Sr Mary Teresa went to Rome for a well-deserved break from administration and to pursue religious studies.

Unfortunately, ill health made her return to Ireland and she was “grounded” for three years, during which she helped out in the Archives Department.

In 1977, she went to the USA for three years as bursar and secretary.

That was followed by a long stretch working at congregational level, first as part of the Leadership Team (1979-1985) and then as congregational secretary (1985-1992).

In 1993, Sr Mary Teresa went to Uganda. That was her first overseas missionary experience and she loved it.

She worked as financial controller and complex director at Kitovu Hospital for almost 10 years.

On her return to Ireland, she was called upon again for her administrative abilities. It meant a return to working at congregational level as congregational secretary once more, for 10 years.

In 2013, Sr Mary Teresa finally retired to Drogheda. She was involved in the setting up of the Mother Mary and Mission Rooms in Drogheda and had a great knowledge of and love for Mother Mary and MMM history.

Sr Mary Teresa was meticulous in all her activities. A gentle, unassuming woman, she gave her all to whatever assignment she was given.

She was a perfectionist, in her professional and in personal life which, among other things, included great attention to the celebration of the Liturgy.

She was greatly drawn to Canon Law and attended several summer schools over the years.

In her lighter moments, she enjoyed bird watching and playing the mandolin.

She retired to the Motherhouse in 2013 and belonged to St Patrick’s Community.

She became Sacristan, busily preparing for the celebration of daily Mass and other Liturgical celebrations.

She continued her involvement in the Mother Mary Mission Room, showing visitors around and generally looking after the room.

Over the years, her health began to deteriorate and she became less active.

Finally, she transferred to Áras Mhuire in May 2021. Over the following months her health continued to deteriorate and she died peacefully on January 30, 2022, in the presence of Sr Rita Higgins MMM and members of staff.

She is buried in St Peter’s Cemetery, Drogheda.

May St Mary Teresa’s gentle soul rest in peace.