Lest We Forget
Sister Bridget Carroll, CSJP (1927-2009)
Sr. Bridget was born in Ballycleary, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary on 7th September 1927. She was the younger of two children born to Michael and Annie Carroll. Her brother Daniel predeceased her. Bridget joined the Sisters of St. Joseph on 13th December 1944 and was received into the Novitiate on 2nd February 1946. After making her Final Vows in 1951 Bridget was sent to Cleethorpes where she served in our nursing home and gained experience before going on to the Royal Northern Hospital, Holloway to train for nursing. As a qualified nurse Bridget returned to Cleethorpes and served both as general nurse and in the theatre.
In the ‘60s Pope Paul VI asked Religious communities to help in the mission fields. In response we, Sisters of St. Joseph opened a mission in Ashing, Cameroon, West Africa. Bridget responded to the call to serve there. She ran a Health Centre and spent four years serving the needs of the local people and the students at the college. Bridget also went out to the remoter areas to serve those unable, because of distance and illness, to visit the Health Centre. She also helped educate the mothers on health, hygiene and dietary concerns. She returned to England in ’73 and resumed nursing serving as Staff nurse at the Coronary Care Unit & Acute Medical Ward and as a member of the team for Coronary at Home Project, General Hospital, Nottingham. The call of the foreign missions once again beckoned and Bridget set off in ’76 for a new challenge in Kenya, East Africa, where she served as a nurse for six years. This mission necessitated Bridget going out to the Bush and holding clinics in far flung compounds. These journeys took several days and were quite demanding and exhausting but Bridget remained undaunted. On her return home in ’82 her dedication and generosity continued in Scotland where she served as nurse at St. Charles Residential Home and School for people with special needs. She also served at our house in Rothesay. On retiring from nursing, she did the Pastoral Renewal Course at the Missionary Institute, London following which Bridget became involved in parish work, visiting the housebound and befriending people. She served as Parish Sister in Ruchazie and later at St. Paul’s in Nottingham. As her health became more problematic Bridget had to cut back on parish involvements and contented herself helping Sisters in community. In March 2004 when she herself needed nursing care she moved to Rearsby and over the next three years her health continued to diminish until 2007 when Bridget needed specialized nursing care and was admitted to Churchfield Court, Nottingham where she received loving care from the staff and Doctors and was frequently visited by our Sisters in Nottingham and Rearsby.
Bridget led a full and active life and her dedication, commitment and energy were amazing. Throughout her life Bridget was kind and generous and readily available to help where she could. Many sick people over the years appreciated her care and concern for them. Fr. Bob O’Neill, MHM, who got to know Bridget in Cameroon commented that she was kindness itself to the African people, especially those who were poor and who needed care. She had a good sense of humour and lightened many situations with her laugh. She made many friends over the years both at home and in Africa and remained in contact with them. During her last years her friends continued to keep in touch, visiting her, talking with her on the phone and writing occasional cards and letters.
Bridget died peacefully at the Queens University Hospital, Nottingham on Sunday morning 26th July. Sisters Laurette and Kathleen McBride spent the night at her bedside and were with her when she died. May she rest in peace.