Genevieve Naughton

Deceased Sisters

Genevieve Naughton - United Kingdom
21/10/1924 - 03/05/2022

Sister Genevieve was born in Athlone, Co Roscommon, on 21^st October 1924 to Peter Naughton and Hannah Naughton née McManus. She was baptised Anne Naughton and attended the local National School – Cameloon. There were 10 children in the family and, Anne being the eldest, no doubt quickly took on the role as a mother figure, practising caring and kindness. She entered the Novitiate in 1945, and was professed in 1946 when she was given the name of Genevieve. Her first community was Paignton where she showed her skills and versatility in all the tasks assigned to her in the community. She was diligent and always caring, doing her assigned tasks in a very Marist and committed way.

Sr Genevieve’s skills, gifts and talents did not go un-noticed in her community and by her superiors when she came to Nympsfield. When the need arose for a fully qualified ‘House Mother’ to take over the Nympsfield Project, Genevieve fitted the bill to perfection. She had fully qualified for this role at College of Professional Training, Holy Rood House in London and had obtained her ‘Central Training Council Certificate in Residential Care of Children’. Genny, as she was now affectionately called, fulfilled her role lovingly. She had found her niche until things changed nationally and children were no longer placed in large homes like Nympsfield. A family of six boys and girls who formed part of her group, even when they left, continued to regard her as part of the family. They kept in touch for many years and invited her to many of the family celebrations. It was further training for Genny as Matron for the boarders in Sunninghill where she fulfilled so many roles for them - Mother, Mentor, Bursar, Confidante, Refuge, but especially - Friend.

Genny was a gifted needlewoman, and her beautifully embroidered table-napkins are on proud but discreet display daily in the Villa Maria Dining Room. Genny was never idle. A lover of nature, always caring for and growing beautiful plants. She was a beautiful person in the community – a very gentle Mary- Presence. It must have been the ‘child’ in her heart that kept her so natural, humorous, non-threatening and close to the hearts of the children she loved.

As the Family Tributes were offered, they made for a lovely reflection on the beauty of a Marist life ’hidden with Christ in God’

Derek Emerson (a member of Genny’s group – ‘St.Agnes’) - fondly recalls –

It was the two weeks in late August that we all looked forward to - two whole weeks by the sea!

Gen always claimed the last two weeks in August for our annual foray to the seaside. She insisted that the weather would be at its finest, sun the hottest and there would never be a cloud in the sky. More often than not she got it wrong! The big day would arrive with children dressed in their finest, counted, as they embarked with the luggage onto the transport. Then we were off! I can remember a train ride to Fishguard one year, coach transport to various destinations in subsequent years and then the Convent minibus, with Gen driving. Gen would mastermind the logistics with the older children, helping to load the younger children, the baggage, sorting of the money, buckets, spades, deck chairs and lunch for the journey.

Then, after what seemed to be a longish journey, it was two weeks of sand and sea! Glorious Devon, with Bideford, Sidmouth, and Paignton. Further afield were, Fishguard, Herne Bay and Bettystown in Ireland - just a few of the places where Gen took us. Weather being fine (or not) we usually traipsed down to the beach loaded with all the paraphernalia , pitched our deckchairs and towels in a prime spot, then plunged into the water while those who could not swim paddled or built sandcastles. Gen would keep a watchful eye on all but as the older children were aware of their responsibilities to the group, Gen could close one eye and nap! On really, really, rainy days (of which there were a few) we would be bundled into whatever transport Gen could find and we would be off sightseeing (including kissing the Blarney stone!) or going to the cinema. Babbacombe model village in Devon, Margate or Woolacoombe sands. Dimchurch beach and, of course, a few worthy churches, including Drogheda and Canterbury Cathedral were all visited.

All too soon the fortnight would come to a close and after a last dip in the sea we would wend our way back to Nympsfield, fully refreshed, deeply suntanned and ready to face another year at school. Gen always managed to get us all there and back in one piece. Thank you, Gen, we have some wonderful memories.

Derek Emerson.

Other tributes paid by members of the families who were in Gen’s group were very moving. Derek’s arrived by post a few days before the funeral and so is printed here. They all encapsulate the memory of a very special person who lived out her Marist life in dedication and service wherever she was. Together they made a joyful reflection on a very whole person ‘fully alive to the glory of God’. As the coffin was wheeled away onto the funeral transport those who knew her and lived with her, especially her two sisters, could tearfully say – ‘There has passed away a glory from this earth’.

We miss you very much Genny. Rest in Peace. Amen.

Deceased Sisters

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