Necrology: Sr. Jerome O’Brien
Teresa Frances O’Brien was born on 9th November 1924 in Brownstown, Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, Ireland to Patrick and Annie O’Brien. She was the third child in a family of eight. She experienced great love and care in her early life and this enabled her to do this herself for others. She refused to go to the convent school but she knew a religious vocation was stirring.
In 1945 she sailed from Cork to enter with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy. She said, ‘I felt determined to go into the unknown, whatever the cost.’
In 1946 Teresa was clothed and given the name Sr. Jerome. First Vows were made in 1947. In 1948 Sr. Jerome was overjoyed to find that her sister, Anna was to enter the convent as well. She became Sr. Marie Therese and remains a resident in St. Joseph’s Home, Killorglin. The other remaining sister, Lena resides in a home in Cork.
Sr. Jerome started her apostolic life at the nursing home in Malpas, Newport, then she spent a year looking after boarders.
In 1950 Sr. Jerome made her Final Vows and in 1951 she went to Killorglin to help with candidates to the religious life.
In 1961 she went to Piltown, Ireland, helping to care for students studying for the priesthood. She began to take on social work.
Then she moved to Scotland to a new community, Bellshill.
In 1971 Sister Jerome went to the Abbey in Wales to take a break from her ministry. She enjoyed her first pilgrimage to Lourdes. Whilst there
she met those involved with mission awareness ministry. After a period of discernment Sr. completed a course in mission awareness and went as part of a team to visit parishes in Ireland. Frances Hogan was a travelling companion on the mission.
Sr. Jerome then went to Cardiff undertook social work training and qualified in 1975.
In 1976 Cardinal Winning invited Sr. Jerome to Scotland. She undertook fundraising for Africa.
In 1987 Sister returned to Wales and joined the Penarth community. She was awarded the Pro Ecclesia Medal.
Then it was back to Scotland and a new community in Dalmarnock. As time moved on Sister began to feel the need to slow down and she helped older Sisters in Llantarnam Abbey with arts and crafts. She wrote, ‘Looking back over my 72 years of religious life I feel deep gratitude to God for the many graces and blessings I have received.’ Sr. Jerome was deeply grateful to God and to her family. She and Sr. Marie Therese enjoyed their home visits over many years.
In due course the sisters chose to become residents in St. joseph’s Home Killorglin. Sr. Jerome participated where she could and supported Sr. Marie Therese. She wrote her memoirs giving us an insight into the details of her experience of life’s journey.
On 9th November2024 there was a happy gathering to celebrate the 100th birthday. Sisters, family and friends came together for Mass and a party.
Over the months Sr. Jerome slowly deteriorated and she died peacefully on 7th June 2025.
The Requiem Mass was held in St. James’ Church, Killorglin on 10th June 2025. She was buried in the local cemetery. May Sr. Jerome rest in peace after her lifelong commitment.
To end a quotation from Sr. Jerome who strove for the ‘more’.
‘Good, Better, Best,
Never Let It Rest.
‘Til your Good is Better and Your Better Best,