Former St Joseph’s College principal widely mourned

An “exceptional teacher and principal” is being fondly remembered this week for her kindness, gentle encouragement and as an “amazing role model” to former students and staff who continue to be inspired by her.

That's just a flavour of the tributes being paid to Sister Patricius Quine, the former principal of St Joseph's College, Summerhill, who died on January 14 last.

Originally from Oran in Roscommon, Sr Patricius dedicated her entire life to the Sisters of Mercy and the education of young people in general, and is warmly remembered by the many staff and students who she worked over several decades in the Athlone area.

Sr Patricius moved from St Peter's Athlone in 1972 to become principal of St Joseph's College, and it was here she stayed until 1988.

She is remembered in a plethora of condolences on rip.ie as “a very kind and fair principal”, “a lovely person” who had the “special gift of knowing how to look after people” and as a lady who was always smiling.

Another person said their memories of her are “gliding through the corridors ringing the bell” and her “grá for Irish” and her “gentle encouragement" of students which influenced them greatly later in life.

Reflecting on her “unique contribution” to education, Coláiste Chiaráin, the new secondary school which came into being following the amalgamation of St Joseph’s College, Summerhill and St Aloysius College, quoted the great African American poet Maya Angelou, who once said: “Precious jewel, you glowed, you shone, reflecting all the good things in the world.”

Patricius was regarded as firm but fair to the students in her care. “Past pupils would recall memories of her patrolling the hallways of Summerhill with bell in hand, ensuring all students were properly presented and punctual. Over the last few days, there has been an outpouring of emotion for this great lady,” said the Coláiste Chiaráin social media post in tribute.

The legacy left by St Patricius can never be erased from the minds of so many students who attended Summerhill. "Her enthusiasm, patience and wise counsel are eternal monuments in the hearts of all that had the privilege of being in her company," the post added.

When she retired from school management in 1988, her desire to guide and counsel the lives of young people did not stop there. Therefore, it was no surprise that she continued working in education as a teacher in Coláiste Mhuire, Strokestown for many years afterwards.

The staff of Scoil Mhuire and the wider community of Strokestown expressed their sadness on hearing of the passing of Sr Patricius Quine last week.

“Sr Patricius will be fondly remembered as a warm and dedicated teacher who was the last Sister of Mercy to teach at Scoil Mhuire. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis,” the post on the school's Facebook page said in recent days.

In her later years, the Mercy sister developed health issues which she bore bravely until her passing.

Sr Patricius Quine, formerly of Oran, Roscommon, Dún Mhuire, Lyster Street, Athlone and the Convent of Mercy Strokestown, passed away peacefully on January 14 in the tender care of the staff of the Ballinderry Nursing Home, Kilconnell.

Predeceased by parents James and Catherine, her brother Michael and sister-in-law Agnes, she is lovingly remembered by her nephew Francis, nieces Cathy and Michelle, niece in law, Mary, nephew in law, John, treasured grandniece Emma and grandnephew Jamie, relatives, friends, teaching colleagues and the Sisters of Mercy Western Province.

After reposing in the Strand Funeral Home, her remains were removed to Ss Peters and Paul's Church, Athlone for funeral Mass. Burial took place in the Convent Cemetery, Roscommon.