Lest We Forget
Sister Lawrence Guinan, CSJP (1931-2011)
Nora Guinan was born in Redwood, Co Tipperary, Ireland on 4 June 1931. She is the youngest of nine children born to Lawrence and Mary Brigid Guinan. On the 28 July 1948 Nora responded to God’s call and came to Rearsby to join the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace. She made her First Profession on 2 February 1951 and her Final Profession on 20 August 1954.
Sr. Lawrence was assigned to St Hugh’s Convent, Cleethorpes and served in the nursing home run by the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace. This was a 36 bed facility catering for acute medical and long-term illness. Having gained experience and shown an aptitude for nursing Sister went on to Dollis Hill Hospital to train for nursing. This hospital was run by the Little Company of Mary. Having completed her 3 year course and qualifying as an SRN she returned to St Hugh’s where she nursed the sick and also served in the Theatre for a number of years. From 1976 to 1984 Sister Lawrence served as Matron of St. Hugh’s Nursing home. This was a very challenging ministry. She endeared herself to patients and staff alike and excelled in showing kindness, compassion and empathy to all. During the 80’s the nursing home closed and for a few years Sr. Lawrence went to London and was a nurse at St. David’s Home, Ealing. During this period some minor adaptations were made to the convent in Cleethorpes to make it more suitable for the care of our elderly sick Sisters and when this was completed, Sr Lawrence returned to take responsibility for nursing care.
Sr. Lawrence’s whole life was devoted to caring for others. Her quiet gentle manner endeared her to all. Since the early 90’s she had not enjoyed the best of health but throughout remained courageous and good humoured. When she was diagnosed with cancer the doctors suggested she would live about six months. She took great delight in reminding us, as she counted up the years that she had outlived their prediction by one, two, three, four and even five years. Through all her illness she remained peaceful and calm and never complained. Her life was truly one of prayer and presence. She was always very interested in people and enjoyed meeting and chatting with parishioners and visitors over at the St. Joseph’s Parish Church. She also appreciated friends calling in to see her. She was most welcoming to all who called and delighted in showing gracious hospitality to them.
Sr. Lawrence was very close to her family. She enjoyed her holiday at home every summer and also appreciated family visits. Latterly, members of her family including her sister Kathleen and her daughters Mary and Catherine occasionally made a ‘flying’ visit from Shannon or Dublin to London to see her. This necessitated their leaving home around 4.00 am and driving to the airport to catch the early flight to London and getting home around midnight. Sr. Lawrence looked forward to these visits and very much appreciated and enjoyed them. Her nephew Paul was also very good to her. As he worked at the airport he always arranged for a wheel-chair to take her to the terminal. He was always on hand on her arrival and departure to see to her and her luggage. Over the past several weeks Sr. Lawrence has been visited by all her family members from Ireland. These visits were orchestrated by the family and Sister was able to tell us which members were making the trip over the coming days. All of these visits were very much appreciated by her.
Sr. Lawrence enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved walking and even as a semi-invalid she had a walk around the Convent garden on fine days often accompanied by a four-footed friend – a cat. She appreciated the flowers that Sr. Barbara planted and loved to see the garden in bloom. She was creative in knitting and sewing. She appreciated music and enjoyed listening to the radio.
Sr. Lawrence received excellent attention and care from the local Doctors and staff at Hammersmith and Ealing Hospitals. She was a wonderful patient and accepted all her illnesses and suffering with great patience and peace. Her faith sustained her throughout. She was a joy to be with. One of her recent comments was ‘I have always been happy as a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace’. She truly radiated that happiness. She died peacefully on Easter Sunday morning, April 24, 2011. It seemed so appropriate that the Risen Christ should take her home on Easter Day. May she now enjoy the love and care of God who was always at the centre of her life.
May she rest in peace.