Today's post is in memory of a well loved music teacher who died recently, Sr Margaret Smith (formerly Sr Mary Edwardine).
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| Sr Mary Edwardine, 1958/59 |
Sr Margaret taught music at St Patrick's in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This was back in the days when Nuns were swathed in yards of black with only hands and face visible. Fortunately, faces tell a lot about a person and Sr Margaret's face (and smile) told us that here was a Nun who, as well as being pretty, was kind and gentle. It was no lie for indeed she was kind and gentle.
As well as wearing "Habits", Nuns also went by a "religious name" given to them when they were received into the Congregation. So, we knew Sr Margaret as Sr Mary Edwardine!
Well, as we all know, everything changed after Vatican II. Out went the "Habits" and out went the compulsory "religious name". The Sisters were free to return to their Baptismal name if they wished. Along with many others, Sr Edwardine chose that option and returned to her given name of Margaret Smith.
Sr Margaret served in various places in Newfoundland, imparting a love of music to many generations of children. My own memories of Sr Margaret are of the children's choir at St Patrick's Church, singing at Requiem Masses (LATIN!), Kiwanis Music Festivals and those wonderful Christmas Concerts. The photograph below was taken during a break in an after school practise for one such Christmas Concert. Sr Margaret is on the left of the photo and the other Sister is Sr M Thomas. The year was either 1958 or 1959.
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| Sr M Edwardine & Sr M Thomas |
At the age of 92 years, Sr Margaret was called home to her Lord on Holy Thursday, 2nd April 2015. A talented musician, a patient teacher, a kind and gentle lady, and a faithful daughter of Nano Nagle, Sr Margaret Smith will be fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to have know her. May she rest in peace.
"Margaret Smith
Passed on: April 2nd, 2015
SMITH
Sister Margaret
(formerly Sister M. Edwardine) Passed peacefully away at Presentation Convent, Cathedral Square, St. John's on Thursday, April 2, 2015, aged 92 years. Predeceased by her parents Margaret and Michael Smith, her brothers Patrick (Marie), Michael, Lawrence and John; her sisters, Catherine (Michael) Stuckless, Rita Smith and Bernardine Smith. Leaving to mourn and celebrate her life are: her sister- in-law Kay (Lawrence dec.) many devoted and attentive nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, relatives and friends and the Presentation Sisters. Sister Margaret is resting at Presentation Motherhouse, Cathedral Square, St. John's. Visitation will take place on Easter Sunday, April 5th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.; Monday, April 6th from 10:00 - 12:00; 2:00 - 4:00, and 7:00 - 9:00, with a Vigil Service at 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist on Tuesday, April 7th at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Presentation Cemetery, Cathedral Square."
Sister Margaret
(formerly Sister M. Edwardine) Passed peacefully away at Presentation Convent, Cathedral Square, St. John's on Thursday, April 2, 2015, aged 92 years. Predeceased by her parents Margaret and Michael Smith, her brothers Patrick (Marie), Michael, Lawrence and John; her sisters, Catherine (Michael) Stuckless, Rita Smith and Bernardine Smith. Leaving to mourn and celebrate her life are: her sister- in-law Kay (Lawrence dec.) many devoted and attentive nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, relatives and friends and the Presentation Sisters. Sister Margaret is resting at Presentation Motherhouse, Cathedral Square, St. John's. Visitation will take place on Easter Sunday, April 5th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.; Monday, April 6th from 10:00 - 12:00; 2:00 - 4:00, and 7:00 - 9:00, with a Vigil Service at 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist on Tuesday, April 7th at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Presentation Cemetery, Cathedral Square."
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