Sr. Irene Doyle
Passed on: July 7th, 2008
Sr. Irene Doyle, formerly Sr. Mary Anselm, 95, a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, died at Bethany, the motherhouse, on July 7, 2008, in the 76th year of her religious life. Born in Melford, Cape Breton County, N.S., she was the daughter of the late Daniel O’Connell and Catherine (Boyle) Doyle. Sr. Irene entered the Sisters of St. Martha on Sept. 8, 1930, pronounced her first vows on July 11, 1932 and made her perpetual commitment on Aug. 24, 1935. Also in 1935, she graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a BSc in home economics and began her ministry with the extension department of St. F. X. Sister was a field worker in the extension department from 1935-39, 1940-44 and 1947-52. The years off from the extension department were used to attend Massachusetts School of Art and Design and to serve as Mistress of Postulants for the congregation. In 1952, Sr. Irene took part-time studies in the field of child welfare and social work. She began full-time study at Boston College in 1953, graduating in 1956 with a masters of science in social work. Until her election to serve as general councillor in the congregation in 1961, Sr. Irene worked at Family Counselling and Guidance Centre in Boston. She was a certified charter member in the following associations: Canadian Social Work Association of Nova Scotia and Canada, and in the U.S. National Association and the U.S. Academy of Certified Social Workers. Sister served as general councillor for the congregation for two terms, 1961-67 and 1967-73. During her second term as councillor, she served as vicar general of the congregation. Following a year of renewal, she returned to social work in 1975, ministering at Family Counselling and Guidance Centre in Boston until 1979. During some of her years of service as general councillor, Sr. Irene worked as the director of staff development for CSM Social Workers in the Antigonish Diocese. She also served as the local superior in four of the Martha residences where she lived. After retiring from social work, Sr. Irene served as director of our two retreat centres, Martha Centre in Lethbridge, Alta., and Bethany Centre in Antigonish. Sister was always interested and involved in keeping the history of the Sisters of St. Martha alive, documented and recorded. From 1990-2005, Sr. Irene served the congregation as oral historian. Sister moved into Bethany’s extended care unit in June 2008, a few short weeks ago. In 1975, she received an Exemplary Service Award from the extension department and Coady International Institute of St. Francis Xavier University. In 1982, Sister was given an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from St. Francis Xavier University. In 1997, Sr. Irene was inducted into the Hall of Thought at the same university. These awards were given for her qualities and accomplishments, her exemplary dedication and service to adult education with the extension department, in the field of social service, as well as for her contribution to the university and the church. Sr. Irene is survived by one sister, Romayne Waye of Port Hawkesbury. She was predeceased by five sisters, Ida Fougere, Ethel, Frances, Helene Gertrude, Sr. Jean, CSM, and Marjorie MacGillivray; and by one brother, Myles Daniel, who died in infancy. The remains will be resting at Bethany, beginning Thursday, July 10 at 1:15 p.m., where a Celebration of Vigil will be held on the same evening at 7:30 p.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, July 11 at 2 p.m. in the Bethany Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Services Ltd., Antigonish. condolences: www.clcurry.com
