Sr. Dr. Hilary Lyons

It is with deep sadness we learn of the passing of Sr. Dr.Hilary Lyons.

An extraordinary woman who pioneered a life dedicated to God and People.

Born in the Colony, Louisburgh in 1924 she spent over 40 years in Africa working and teaching.

Her tremendous work as a Missionary Nun and Surgical Doctor in Sierre Leone, building not only a hospital but a legacy of relationships AND education, are still in practice today. When the war came and the hospital was destroyed she maintained that the lasting “Pride and joy for all who worked there for forty years was that the Training remained!”

It was her gentle yet persuasive ways that won the hearts of all. She didn’t give up on the people who needed her in those unimaginable times.

In 2016 she was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Faculty of Public Health by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

While settled in to retirement in Dublin with her fellow Sisters, she still called the “Colony” home.

We were delighted and proud to have her participate in “Our Irish Women” project although she wondered why she was chosen! Her energy and involvement was as much a joy as it was infectious, writing two books and still wanting to record more well into retirement.

On the lead up to the “Our Irish Women Exhibition” visiting Louisburgh our communication was by phone and email and Sr. Hilary was faster to email!

You will always be a “Woman of Mayo”.

We give thanks for your life and celebrate all that you have achieved.

Our Sympathies to Sr. Hilary’s Family, her Holy Rosary Sisters and all who knew her.

Ar Dheis De go raibh a-anam.

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