Sr M Agnes Gallagher

Died 27 February 1945

Ellen Gallagher was the daughter of Charles Gallagher and Anne Norrard. She was one of the pioneer band of Sisters of St Joseph of Lochinvar, from Merriwa, a parish fruitful in vocations. Ellen entered on the Novitiate on 15 August, 1893, just ten years from the foundation at Lochinvar and a few years after the Sisters had opened their school in Merriwa.  

Ellen was professed 7 January 1896 as Sr M Agnes of the Assumption. Some years of her life were spent at Lochinvar but by far the greater number were passed as Superior of one or other of the branch convents in Lochinvar, Dungog, Largs, Cessnock, Burwood, Aberdeen, West Wallsend, Krambach, Abermain, Cundletown and Cardiff.  At the time of her last illness she was in charge of Cardiff Convent.

Of a very retiring disposition, Sr Agnes still made many friends, however it was her community, knowing her for what she was, who appreciated to the full her fidelity to and love of the Josephite Rule of life, her uprightness and integrity of character.

Sister Agnes passed away at the Maitland Hospital on Tuesday 27 February, 1945 at 1.35 p.m. She had been five weeks in hospital.  Her death was due to heart seizure.  Her remains were brought home to Lochinvar at 5 o'clock and funeral took place at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon.  Rev Frs Purtell and O'Connor assisted Very Rev Fr Ward at Requiem Solemn Office and Mass.

Sister Mary Agnes Gallagher is buried in the Sisters’ Cemetery at Lochinvar.

 From The Lochinvar Magazine, 1945