Tributes to Mayo nun who inspired a love of music and choral singing

Warm tributes are being paid to Sr. Mary Johnson, Árd Bhride, Castlebar, whose death has taken place.

A former member of the teaching staff at St. Angela's National School, Castlebar, and late of Errew, she died peacefully at Mayo Hospice after an illness bravely borne.

Sr. Mary was the musical director of the Castlebar Parish Choir for a number of decades and inspired in many a great love of music and choral singing.

She is deeply regretted by her brother Maurice, sisters Bernie and Pauline, Sisters of Mercy, Árd Bhride and the Western Province, to whom sympathy is tendered.

Sr. Mary was predeceased by her parents James and Bridget.

Many warm tributes are being paid to her on social media.

One stated: "I participated in choir with her in St. Angelas N.S. and she was an inspiration in the way she could get the best out of us.

"We travelled to competitions, performed and learned to love music and song because of her.

"She had the highest of standards and her knowledge was vast."

Another stated: "She was a wonderful, kind woman who was a diligent and conscientious worker who obviously cared very much for her colleagues, friends and pupils."

A further tribute outlined: "She will be greatly missed by so many, her family, the Mercy community, teachers and the Parish Choir."

Sr. Mary will lie in repose at Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar, on Sunday evening from 5 p.m. with removal to the Church of the Holy Rosary at 7 p.m.

Requiem Mass takes place on Monday at 11.30 a.m.

Sr. Mary will be laid to rest afterwards in the New Cemetery, Castlebar.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.