Sr Brendan O’Riordan
She was one of six children born in Kerry. In 1944 she travelled to England and entered the Ursuline Convent in Westgate, along with her two sisters Donna and Maureen. She lived in Greenwich during her temporary vows and then gave devoted service to the community at Forest Gate. Later she went to the convent at Chester, which was her first and happy experience of living in the North West.
In the late 60's another venture lay before her: she was appointed to the Christ's College Community in Liverpool as cook. This was a different style of community life and as ever, she adapted to it perfectly. As well as nourishing the community, she transformed the backyard into a kitchen garden, she used it as an area open to all-comers: men of the road in need of sustenance or washing facilities (including one embarrassing incident where a bucket of water was taken for a full-scale bathtub!) to aspiring seminarians wanting counsel, encouragement and spiritual direction.
When Sr Brendan moved to Shotton in 1987, she quickly became familiar on the streets and in the lanes and alleyways. She was a woman born for friendship, no one passed without her offering a word of greeting, a touch of humour or a listening ear to their troubles. Blessed with a deep wisdom and humility, she saw life whole and enjoyed it. Peals of laughter could always be heard in any meeting or room she was in. A natural mimic, she also had a fund of funny stories and encouraging snippets, so her visits to the housebound and elderly were more than welcome. So many people would share their troubles with Sr Brendan that she did not plan her days as it stopped her from being free to listen to whoever called in. She walked miles to visit those she cared about, how open and welcoming her hands were to those in anxiety or distress or simply in need of food or drink. Her smile, gentle humour and the quiet God-based wisdom she possessed helped to console, cheer and encourage all whom she met.
Her popularity and the warmth people felt for Sr Brendan was clear to see from her funeral which was held in Connah’s Quay. It was attended by two bishops, the local councillor, local MP and local MEP, Ambulance workers from Deeside Day care hospital and representatives from Churches Together. There were several members of the travelling community who she did a lot of work with and of course many local friends, parishioners and her Ursuline family.
