'Maisy Doyle dedicated herself to following the way of Nano Nagle in the Presentation Sisters'

The warmth of the messages which followed news of the passing of the late St Theophane, Presentation Convent, Thurles reflected her popularity in Thurles and the surrounding areas, but especially in her native Killenaule.

Maisy Doyle dedicated herself to following the way of Nano Nagle in the Presentation Sisters – she helped to carry the lantern and brought light to the lives of so many in a long, dedicated and distinguished  life of selflessness.

She was generous with her time; committed to her vocation; devoted to her students; and steadfast in her pursuit of the way of the Lord.

Like Simon of Cyrene, she helped to shoulder the cross of many and her willingness to help all, endeared her to the many who were fortunate to have crossed her path.

Sr Theophane’s association with the Presentation lasted most of her life. Having gone to secondary school in the Presentation in Ballingarry, she entered the Novitiate iC Thurles in 1956 and had her final profession in 1962.

She was teaching in the Presentation primary school from ‘56 – 68 having trained in Carysfort as a primary teacher in Dublin.

Sr Theophane then went to study in UCC gaining a BA and MA in English and French which she then went on to teacher in Thurles, in Wexford; in Rockford Manor; in Blackrock in Dublin; before eventually making her way back to Thurles from 1997 to 2002 when she officially ‘retired’. Of course those who knew her, knew that she never actually retired.

Sr Theophane also spent two years in Zimbabwe but the lure of home and Tipperary ensured that she returned to Thurles where she continued to pick bunches flowers where she could – a pastime she adored.

‘Sr Theo’ as she was affectionately known, had a keen interest in the lives of her pupils, and most especially, her past pupils.

She delighted in meeting those who had previously graced her classroom and always asked after them, desiring to know how they were getting on and offering any help she could give.

She was particularly happy to see the children, and later in life, the grandchildren, of her past pupils arriving in Cathedral Street in the famous Pres’ uniform. She would trace back to the original connection and would always keep an eye out for those ‘special Pres’ girls’ as she referred to them.

In truth though, all Pres’ girls were special in the eyes of Sr Theophane. Success to her was not necessarily measured in grades – rather it was measured in the development of the young girls in her, and her colleagues, care into strong, confident, capable and decent human beings.

If that be the yardstick, then Sr Theo’s achievements were second to none for, year after year, the Pres’ introduced their distinguished and extensive alumni to a grateful society.

Sr Theo loved following Tipperary hurling and football, but especially the hurling. She would watch the games, read all the match reports and engage in conversation and chat for days after the big games. She appreciated the efforts of players in getting themselves right to wear the blue and gold jersey and she also understood the impact their success had on the community at large. Lifting the mood of the people was a wonderful privilege and on many many occasions St Theo enjoyed that privilege.

There was a real sense of sadness when news of Sr Theophane’s passing emerged -suddenly, the Convent in Thurles seemed a little more empty.

No longer would the shock of white hair and the smiling face emerge through the gates to go about her business; no longer would the caller in need of help or sustenance be received by so welcoming a servant of the Lord; no more would the bustling and busy corridors of the Pres’ primary or secondary schools witness her gentle step as she engaged with all those going here and there.

Sr Theophane was a highly regarded teacher – many recall her teaching of French as referenced in tributes paid to her. She was a strict but fair teacher, had a great flair in the classroom but was not shy about letting pupils know what was expected of them either.

To whom much is given is much expected, could have been her mantra – she wanted the best for all her students and if that meant being firm and strong minded in order for them to reach their potential, then so be it.

A few of the tributes paid included:

“Sr Theophane was a wonderful and enthusiastic teacher. I fondly remember her warm smile, all year round tan and her cycling to mass on a Sunday. I still have the reference she wrote for me to get into nursing,” said one.

Another: “She was a beautiful person who was truly inspirational. She took a great interest in all her pupils.”

Another one still: "Theo’ was a joy. Full of depth, courage, laughter and wisdom. Her kindness and humour will forever remain in my heart.”

“She loved the morning call bell. Always a friendly smile and chat on her walks down town,” another wrote.

While: “Her big smile and genuine delight in meeting past pupils when we were home for the weekend will be missed.”

Finally: “She was so warm and kind to all the students. Always had an interest in us when in school and equally when a student had left the school. She was so excited when the school musicals were on and was always keen to take part in the preparations of same. She was always a delight to see with her warm hello. We will miss you Sr Theo. We are left with lovely memories.”

Sr Theophane’s passing marks the end of an era in the Presentation Convent in Thurles – she will be greatly missed by her fellow Sisters and all those associated with the Presentation. As she gently passed, following a short illness, to the Heaven she fervently believed in, Sr Theo returned to her Maker with her life of service completed.

Predeceased by her parents John and Margaret, her sister Nancy and her brothers Jim and Sean, brother-in-law Jack and sister-in-law Rosaleen, Sr Theophane is deeply regretted by her Presentation Community and Congregation, her sister-in-law Nancy, her nieces Mary Forrest, Margaret Preston, Triona and Anne Doyle, Maeve Colclough and Rose-Marie Doyle, her nephews John Crowley, John and Paul Doyle and John, Gary and Niall Doyle, her nieces-in-law, nephews-in-law, her grandnieces and grandnephews, great grandnieces, great grandnephews, extended family and friends.

Sr Theophane reposed in the Presentation Convent Chapel with Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly in attendance for evening prayers, before Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Cathedral of the Assumption – how proud she would have been to see the Presentation uniform so prominent throughout. She was laid to rest afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery.