'You were an angel on earth': Funeral of 108-year-old Cork nun Sr Colette Hickey hears she was 'a diamond

Her friend at the Good Shepherd Convent Sr Jane Murphy told mourners Sr Collette's longevity was astonishing given her fondness for salt, which 'covered her dinner like snow'

Sr Colette Hickey at Edel House, which she founded.

Ireland's oldest woman, Sr Colette Hickey, was "a diamond" of a person who became like a second mother to women and children who spent time at a refuge she set up in Cork City, her funeral mass has heard.

The 108-year-old native of Barracree, Ballinamult in Waterford died on Tuesday in the Bon Secours care village in Mount Desert, Cork.

A funeral Mass at St Joseph's Church in Mayfield in Cork City heard Sr Colette joined the Good Shepherd Convent 91 years ago at the age of 17.

Sr Jane Murphy said Sr Colette often spoke of having had a "happy" childhood. 

She grew up at a time when water was collected from a well and light was obtained from an oil lamp.

Sr Jane said Sr Colette was known as "Aunt Biddy" to her family. As a young woman, she lived “under the shade of the Comeragh Mountains", and she retained huge affection for her native Co Waterford.

The Cork Person of the Year award recipient set up Edel House shelter in 1972 in Dyke Parade in Cork. 

The shelter still exists today, having transferred its operation to Grattan Street in the city.

Sr Jane said one former service user said she always felt "cared for" when she stayed at Edel House with Sr Colette.

"When Sr Colette opened the door of Edel House to us as children with our mother fleeing from our aggressive father, we always felt safe, protected and loved."

Another past service user said Sr Colette saved her and her mother from "those who never show love".

"I remember my mother saying when I was a 'smallie' that Sr Colette would bounce me on her knee with great affection. They remained in contact all through the years.

"Sr Colette was the closest thing to a mother that my mum had ever known. Very sad to hear of her passing but also very grateful for everything she has done. Bless you Sr Colette. You were an angel on earth."

Sr Jane said such was the esteem in which Sr Colette was held that when she won the Cork Person of the Year award in 1993 then taoiseach Albert Reynolds travelled straight from London for the ceremony. He had just signed the Downing Street Declaration with then British prime minister John Major.

She said Sr Colette had an incredible memory right until the end of her life. She lived through five global pandemics, and outlasted 10 Irish presidents and 19 presidents of the USA.

Sr Jane said the longevity of her friend was ever the more astonishing given her fondness for salt, which "covered her dinner like snow".

Meanwhile, chief celebrant at the mass, Fr Liam Ó hIcí, said Sr Colette was saying the rosary right up until the end of her life. She "was praying all day and all night" in between naps.

Fr Ó hIcí said Sr Colette was "a person of prayer" who had lived through so many periods of history. She was born a "subject of the British Empire” and was just four years old when the State was established.

Offertory gifts at the Mass included holy water which she used so often it was like her “third hand".

Other gifts included photographs and sweets.

A book of condolences has been opened for Sr Colette in Cork City Hall.

Sr Colette was laid to rest at St Catherine’s Cemetery in Kilcully, Co Cork, following the 11am Mass.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin was represented at the Mass by aide de camp Commandant Richard Griffiths. Bishop Emeritus John Buckley was also in attendance.