Olive McVann

Deceased Sisters

Olive McVann - Ireland
15/12/1941 - 12/07/2020

Sr Olive went home to God on July 12^th2020. Olive was the youngest of six children born to Paddy and Annie Mc Vann, Curry, Co Sligo. She attended Curry National School and later Marist Convent Tubbercurry. She made her first profession in 1963 in Carrick-on-Shannon and final profession in Hythe in 1968. After first profession, Sr Olive was missioned to England and this became a journey of discovery.

She trained as a Junior school teacher in Coloma College and spent many fruitful years in Barnstaple, Sunninghill, (Englefield Green), White City (London) where she was also in charge of the Community and finally as Headteacher in West Byfleet.

Her creative and artistic personality made her particularly endearing to the little people in her care. She loved art, flower arranging and walks in nature. Her classes imbibed Olive’s love of nature and often her pupils could be seen bringing flowers and autumn leaves for Our Lady’s altar that was strategically placed at the top of the class.

She had a special connection with staff, parents, the Church and those in any kind of need. Friends were cherished and trusted. Her sincerity was obvious to all. People will remember that engaging smile and handshake that made those who met her feel they were the only people that mattered. She always expressed her gratitude, to her family and the Marist Sisters for the strong practical faith which led her to choose Religious life in the Marist Society.

Having completed her ministry in Byfleet, Olive asked to return to her native Ireland. This move provided its own challenges which she undertook with courage, leaving the future in God’s hands. She trained as Chaplain in Healthcare (CPE) and started her ministry in St John of God’s Hospice, Killiney. Later Olive joined the staff of St James’ Hospital on a part time basis, a ministry she continued for most of her later years.

As Community Leader of Raheny she established a strong connection with her local parish, as a Eucharistic Minister, and as friend and confidante to those who were in any kind of difficulty. She made herself available as volunteer with St Vincent de Paul Society in the area. These activities were extended to St Gabriel’s Nursing home where a member of her community, Sr Darerca, spent her final years.

Olive saw Mother Foundress as a woman of great faith who encouraged her newly formed group of religious sisters “Above all try to live a great spirit of faith which will lead you to serve God in everything”. This was one of Olive’s favourite quotations. She often quoted it when life was a little tough. Having spent two years as Community Leader in Carrick-on-Shannon Olive set out on a six month Sabbatical time. The highlight of which was to have been a thirty day retreat. She was full of enthusiasm and planned meticulously for this much-awaited event.

However, God had other plans. Little did Olive or her community realize that life would change in a very unexpected way. Within three weeks Olive was faced with the news that she had a terminal illness. With the faith that stood her so well throughout her life she accepted by saying to those who contacted her “I have spent seventy-eight good years in God’s service. I am ready to go now.”

At her Funeral Mass, Fr Paul Dunne, a close friend of the family spoke eloquently of Olive’s spiritual gifts. I quote from his homily on the day of her funeral:

“Olive in life took St Paul’s injunction to heart: she was no slave to fear or timidity neither in faith, Church nor in life in general, her love of life, people, music, chat, ideas, food and conversation meant you, her family, friends and parishioners found her to be warm, wise, encouraging and a life enhancing person”.

This tribute would not be complete without mentioning the beautiful gift of Olive’s family, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, in laws and extended family. She loved them dearly, each and every one without exception. Her family loved her. Her niece Eleanor would say

“Olive was the glue that bound our family together”.

Those of us who came to know Olive well would concur with this.

Ar dheis Dégo raibh a hanam dílis.

Deceased Sisters

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