Sr M Eugene McInerney

Died 09 October 1942

Agnes McInerney was born on 1 April 1866 to Bartholomew McInerney and Brigid Hannon at Woodville, West Maitland.

One of our very early Sisters, Agnes entered the novitiate at Lochinvar on 2 February 1886 and took the name of Sister Mary Eugene of St Joseph.  Her younger Ellen (Sr Mary Xavier) had entered the novitiate the year before her.

Sr Eugene was professed on 30 June 1887 with Sisters Mary Brigid Moy, Hyacinth Webber, Vincent Fennessy, Ignatius Flanagan.  In the years that followed she ministered in Lochinvar, Merriwa, Carrington (three times), Cessnock (Nulkaba), Burwood, Largs, Aberdeen, Glendonbrook, Krambach, Brookfield, Cundletown, Dungog, Krambach, Cessnock and Charlestown.

Well known throughout the Diocese, she had at one time or another been Superior of many branch houses.  Her friends were legion though her life was a hidden one, and her good deeds done in secret.

At her own request Sr Eugene was relieved of the responsibility of community leadership and was dwelling quietly at Charlestown when the end came.  Sister died in her sleep at Charlestown Convent on Thursday 9 October 1942. Her remains were brought to Lochinvar on Friday evening and she was buried at 10 o'clock on Saturday morning in the Sisters’ Cemetery at Lochinvar.  Very Rev Father Ward officiated assisted by Rev Fr Davoren from Cessnock.

Solemn Office and Requiem was held at ten o'clock Tuesday morning in St Joseph's Chapel Lochinvar. His Lordship Most Rev Dr Gleeson presided and there were thirty priests in choir. Rev Fr Farrelly was celebrant with Rev Frs Purcell & Flynn (Deacon and Sub-deacon).

"Lochinvar" Magazine 1943