08/08/2026
The death has occurred of Sr. Elizabeth O’Brien, Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, St. Anne’s Nursing Home, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, and formerly of Knockmanagh, Kilcummin, Killarney, Co. Kerry, who passed away peacefully on Saturday August 8th, in the tender loving care of the nurses and staff of St. Anne’s Nursing Home, Ballybay.
Predeceased by her parents Aeneas and Bridget O’ Brien, brother Bernie O’ Brien, sisters, Sr Pius O’Brien and Sheila Healy, sister in-law Breda O’ Brien.
Sr. Elizabeth is deeply regretted and lovingly remembered by her nieces, Martina Healy, Bridget Flynn, Elizabeth Joy, Joan O’ Neill, nephews, Paudie Healy, Aeneas Healy, Aeneas O’ Brien, brother-in-law, Hugh Healy, extended family, her religious community, the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, her many friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
May Sr. Elizabeth Rest In Eternal Peace
Sr. Elizabeth will repose at Wards Funeral Home Ballybay (A75H585) on Monday afternoon from 4pm until removal at 5:40pm to arrive at St. Patrick’s Church Ballybay for reception prayers at 6pm. Requiem mass to celebrate the life of Sr. Elizabeth will be offered on Tuesday in St. Patricks Church Ballybay at 11am, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Sr Elizabeth a member of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, was born on 5 April 1936 in Knockmanagh, Kilcummin, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
From her early years, Elizabeth was called to a life of service and dedication in religious life. As a Sister of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, she gave many years of faithful service through her gift for cooking and homemaking, bringing her practical skills and caring nature to the communities and places where she served.
Her apostolate was centred particularly on cooking and homemaking, a ministry through which she quietly contributed to the wellbeing and happiness of those around her. She served in a number of communities in Ireland, including Glandore, Myross Wood and Moyne Park, where she was part of the life and work of the communities associated with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.
In 1971, Sr Elizabeth came to Ballybay, where she began her long association with St Joseph’s Nursing Home (St. Anne’s) There, she served as the main cook, a role she carried out with dedication and commitment for many years. Through her work in the kitchen, she provided not simply meals but a daily expression of care and service to the residents and those who worked alongside her.
Ballybay became her home for many years. She continued her ministry at St Joseph’s Nursing Home (St. Anne’s)until her retirement, after which she remained there as a resident. Thus, the place where she had given so much of her life in service became, in her later years, her home and place of rest
