I have received some happy news from Wayne Lynch regarding his Aunt, Sr Brendan Lynch. Wayne tells me that Sr Brendan celebrates her 90th Birthday today, 25 February, 2021. Sr Brendan, we all wish you a wonderful Birthday and, were it not for this Covid situation we find ourselves in, I am sure there would be a steady stream of St Patrick's girls making their way to Presentation Convent to greet you on this special day.
Sister Mary Brendan came to St Patrick's in 1967 and began to work her musical magic. She found an abundance of talent at St Patrick's and she certainly honed and polished it into a thing of beauty. Awards and accolades came thick and fast for Sister and her choirs(here). (To see other news of Sr Brendan and her choirs, just enter her name in the search box in the top left corner of the blog.)
Gertrude Lynch was born to Agnes and Patrick Lynch on 25 February 1931 in Grand Falls-Windsor. Sadly, Agnes passed away when Gertrude was just a child. Gertrude, Gen Murphy and Kay McDermott all started school together and became fast friends. The girls went through school together and eventually graduated together. The beautiful thing is that the three are still friends and this year they all celebrate their 90th Birthdays. 
Happily for us, Gertrude joined the Presentation Sisters and was given the name Sr Mary Brendan. Sr Brendan taught in various schools across the Island sharing her talents and instilling the love of music and song in her charges.
Wayne has kindly shared some photographs of Sr Brendan with us. I will post them here because I think many of Sr Brendan's pupils will be wishing her well today.
Wayne, thank you so much for making it possible for us to let Sr Brendan know that she and her music always will be special to her St Patrick's girls.
Happy Birthday, dear Sr Brendan, and may God bless you today and always.
Sr Brendan - first & foremost Happiest of Birthdays to you - a very special person to thousands of people. Well I did not realize that you, my mother and I all had the same first name - Gertrude. You truly are the most amazing nun I’ve met in my life. You taught us so much at St Joseph’s - not only music but how to be kind, thoughtful and respectful. Many lives have been touched by you in so many ways and you are responsible for many precious & glorious childhood school memories. I remember you very well and have always thought highly of you. The world is a better place because of you. I am one of 14 children of the Power Family ( Ned & Gert) from Hawker Crescent. My siblings from oldest to youngest Sheila, George, Patricia, Bridget, Joan, Michael, Mary, Edward, James, Gertrude, John, Maurice, Darryl & Thomas. I bet you can tell a story or two about our family as well as many others that you embraced. I am thankful from the bottom of my heart for having had the opportunity to have known such a beautiful soul. It was a privilege just to know you. I truly wish you a very Happy Birthday and best wishes for health & safety. Take care Sr Brendan ( Gertrude) - still love you very much. Love Gertrude Strickland ( Power) xo
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