Tributes paid to former St Joseph's RC High School teacher

Sister Denise O’Donnell died at Llantarnam Abbey on Friday, October 15, following a long-term illness.

The Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy paid tribute to her, saying that she “faced this period in her life with typical courage, positivity and selflessness.”

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“Her years at Holy Family Secondary School and St. Joseph’s High School, Newport, enriched her great love and respect for young people,” they said.

“For Sr. Denise, as one governor paying tribute to her put it, education was far more than acquiring knowledge; it was a process where children learn how to live and work together while growing in friendship with God.

“She felt it was a privilege to accompany them on the journey.

“Later, as a school governor at St Philip Evans Catholic Primary School and at St Joseph’s High School, her expertise, support and clarity of thought were much appreciated.

“Her energy did not stop there. She also shared her time and gifts generously with her sisters in the congregation in many ways.

“May she rest in peace.”

She also set up the Diocesan Catechetical Commission, which is responsible for the training of Catechists, or people engaged in religious formation and education, at the request of the Archbishop John Murphy, alongside Bishop Edwin Regan and Sr. Bernadette Dooley.

Sister Denise taught at St Joseph's RC High School in Newport. Picture: Google Street View

Alan Shewring, former chairman of governors at St Joseph’s RC High School, said: “She was well known to many in the Archdiocese of Cardiff for her outstanding work in education and in many other areas of the Catholic faith.

“Sr. Denise taught at St Joseph’s RC High School from the time that it was first established in September 1967 until 1993.  

“She rose to the position of deputy headteacher and for a short time after the death of the headteacher, Joseph Witherington, was appointed acting headteacher of the school.

“Her philosophy was always to love her pupils, and this was reciprocated by them.

“After her retirement she continued to invaluably support the school as a governor until her death.”

Sr. Denise’s funeral was celebrated by Bishop Edwin Regan, attended by her family, invited priests and the sisters themselves.

A memorial Mass, open to the public, will be held at St Mary’s RC Church in Newport on Saturday, November 20 at 10am.