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Sr. Claude – Ellen Walsh
of Gowran, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
who died at St. Joseph’s Convent, New Inn
on 29th August 2023
aged 86 years, 63 of Religious Profession
It is good to share something of the story of Sr Claude's long life, but it was a challenge to write, as she was one of our greatest story tellers, and I wanted to do her justice.
Sr Claude - Ellen Walsh - was born on the 26th May 1937, in Kilkenny. She had a great love for her home county and prided herself in her county of origin. Her parents Francis and Brigid Walsh had seven children - three girls and four boys. Claude/Ellen, Liam, Marie, Francis, Tony, Patricia, John and baby Martin who only lived a few days. Sr Claude was the eldest.
She always had a deep affection and close ties with her family, who were so supportive of her, and were great benefactors of the Congregation. She looked forward so much to her home visits and enjoyed many great holidays with them. Sr Maria and herself often managed their home visits to coincide with the All Ireland Hurling Finals, when Kilkenny were most often the champions. How she loved to tease the rest of us who were from rival counties.
Sr Claude entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of St Joseph in Oct. 1954, and she made her vows in Sept 1956. Soon after this, she and Sr Marie Claire began their studies in Secretarial Work, at Newport Technical College. She then went to the Boarding School in Tredegar Park, to teach typing and help with the Boarders. She is remembered with great affection by so many pupils, especially by the foreign students, even if she didn't teach them.
In 1967 she went to Chatham as secretary to Sr Teresa Alphonse, and to help with the students. Then a year later, she was appointed as Provincial Secretary, an important service in the Province. She was noted for her confidentiality, prudence and loyalty - nothing confidential would ever pass her lips. And she did all this with a great sense of humour and a smile. She did this work for thirty years, so she was an Abbey stalwart.
There was never a need for a night watchman at the Abbey, as each night Claude ensured every window was closed, and every door and gate was firmly locked. She would notice any strange car passing the Abbey, and they jokingly called her ‘the detective’. When she retired from secretarial work she worked in fundraising for the Hospice, where she again gave herself wholeheartedly. She was open to any challenge. For example, she stood on the street with boxes and buckets fundraising for the Hospice, and she loved this work. She loved meeting people. When there were functions for the Hospice at Ty Croeso, Claude was always there in the background, washing up and clearing up. Though always in the background, Claude was very much in the foreground with her warm welcome and her ready smile. She was interested in everyone and was wonderful with children.
At the same time, she and Sr Maria took on the care of the animals at the Abbey. This was hard work, especially at the lambing season, but they thrived on it. A sight to behold was when they dressed up in wellingtons and raingear on a wet evening, to go to tend to the animals.
She also did parish visiting in Ringland, Newport, with Sr Miriam; a mission they both loved. Claude regaled the old people with her many stories, and they thoroughly enjoyed that. Her badge of honour as she went visiting was her umbrella - not for the rain, but as her weapon against dogs!!!! Claude loved her community and was very much a community person, telling us endless stories, a story for every occasion. She was a great listener and had endless patience. She was a woman of prayer and had deep faith, and she was so proud of her Celtic roots.
Her health deteriorated after her major heart attack. She slowed down and though her ministry outside became less, she found a new ministry on phone duty at the Abbey. Here, her warm interest in people. was very much appreciated. Gradually she began to slow down and was happy just pottering around the Abbey. She and Thomasina became great television buddies.
No doubt the move from the Abbey to New Inn was a big thing for Claude, but in her quiet accepting way, she made the transfer calmly and peacefully. Some weeks ago, she began to deteriorate, she was admitted to hospital. She was so blessed to have Kelley and John with her during this time. When it was clear that the hospital could not do anything for her, thankfully she came home to New Inn, where we were able to say goodbye to her.
We all remember Claude with great affection. Sr Claude’s life story has many facets, and we know her story will live on, as it influences the lives of her family, friends and all of us who knew and loved her.
May she rest in peace.