There is no greater honour for a teacher than to know that they instilled a love for their chosen subject in the hearts and minds of those they taught.
It is the very honour being posthumously bestowed upon a “captivating” and “inspirational” former teacher of Our Lady’s Grammar School, Newry.
Sr Olive McConville – who died following a short illness under the compassionate care of Evora Hospice on Thursday (August 27) – passed on her great love of literature to many generations of pupils throughout her years as part of the school’s faculty.
During her tenure, she was both an “esteemed” Head of English and Senior Leader.
Sharing their fond memories and sincere gratitude following her passing, several former pupils have said she helped so many young girls “find a joy in reading”. It became a shared passion that bonded her to her students, they could see her enthusiasm for her subject… each lesson an adventure!
Said one former pupil of Sr Olive: “Sr Olive was an inspirational teacher, we were captivated by every word she said in class, she was amazing. Later in life it was great to meet her, she was always interested to know what was happening in my life and with my family.
“I am glad now that I was able to tell her lately how much I enjoyed her classes. I can still hear her reading Mid Term Break aloud in class! A truly lovely person, may she rest in peace.”
The Sister of Mercy maintained a true interest in the lives of those she had the priviledge to teach. She cared for their happiness and wellbeing beyond the classroom and always enquired, at any given opportunity, to see how they were doing.
In testament of this, another added: “Even meeting her over the years she was always interested in what path you had taken and even the progress of the next generation- our children. She had a genuine interest and was proud of all her pupils. I am very sad to hear this news- a dedicated life so well lived. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Amen.”
Even those who hadn’t had the fortune to hear one of her incredible lessons knew Sr Olive as a kind and caring woman.
Said another: “I never had the privilege of being taught by Sr Olive but have very fond memories of of her from my OLS days, her niece Róisín Murtagh was in our our class and to this day I still think of her as Auntie Olive.
“She was kind and very gentle and full of praise and encouragement when I met her in school or when I was in the convent visiting my own aunt, Sister Rose McMullan, deepest sympathies to Sr Olive’s family and all those who knew and loved her, she will be missed.”
Our Lady’s Grammar School have encouraged all to pray for the happy repose of the soul of their esteemed former colleague, passing on their sincere condolences to her family, friends and her Mercy Sisters.
In Newry, the Sisters of Mercy have – for more than 170 years – worked in many different apostolates, each in her own way trying to make Christ’s love for humanity real, meeting the changing needs and challenges of today’s world, caring for the elderly in Homes, visiting the lonely, sick and house-bound, offering counselling services.
Some liaise with the laity in groups such as the Parish Council, St Vincent de Paul, Simon Community, Mercy Mission Group and Cuan Mhuire.
Sr Olive’s deep faith carried her through life grace. She was a compassionate woman with a profound love of life and her Lord.
Paraphrasing the great Greek philopsher, Plutarch, one person penned a poignant tribute: “The great teacher is not the one who fills a vessel, but the one who kindles a fire — and when such a voice goes silent, the hearths of a thousand minds keep burning with the words she taught them to love.”
A death notice described her as the much-loved sister of Josephine, Dermot, Leontia, Noeleen, Kieran, Gemma, Caroline, Declan and the late Marie, Brendan, Raymond and Emmett and beloved daughter of the late James and Rosaleen McConville.
While she had been living in Rostrevor of late, Sr Olive was formerly of the Cullyhanna area where she has many friends.
Sr. Olive’s remains will arrive on Saturday at 1pm at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, Rostrevor for 1.30pm Requiem Mass followed by interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Cullyhanna.
Donations in lieu of flowers are being gratefully received for Evora Hospice.
