Sister Mary Teresa Sheridan was born on 12 May 1939 at Knocknakillew, Ballinrobe, County Mayo, Ireland. She was the elder of two daughters born to John and Nora Sheridan. Mary received her secondary education at the Convent of Mercy School, Ballinrobe, where she specialised in secretarial studies.
Sister Mary Teresa joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace on 2 February 1958. She made her first profession on the 15 August 1960 and her final profession on the 15 August 1965.
After first profession, Sister Mary Teresa was asked by Mother Patricia Moran, CSJP, to go to work at the Generalate in Glendola, New Jersey, to serve as secretary to our Leadership Team. On her return to the UK, she attended Digby Stuart Training College and graduated in 1968. After Mary’s initial launch into ministry through community service, Sister Mary Teresa was able to branch out and apply her secretarial acumen in school settings. She first went to St. Wilfrid’s Catholic High School in Featherstone, West Yorkshire, England, before spending a decade at St. George’s School in Bradford, England. Sister Mary Teresa then returned to St. Wilfrid’s, when she was head of the Business Studies Department. She retired from education in 1999 to return to Rearsby, Leicestershire, England, and act as secretary of the Provincial Office, later the Regional Office. Prayer filled her work —work had become her prayer.
Sister Mary Teresa was one of the first sisters to move from Rearsby before its sale; she and Sister Mary Doyle, CSJP, relocated to the parish house in Oadby, Leicester, England, in 2017. They quickly became a peaceful, happy presence in the parish. After health concerns required Sister Mary Doyle, CSJP, to move to Wollaton, Nottingham, England, Sister Margaret Healy, CSJP, joined Sister Mary Teresa at Oadby. These were happy years. Sister Mary Teresa was always delighted to welcome visitors for a cup of tea and a chat. A few years later, she joined the community at Uppingham Road in order to receive care for her own health problems. She remained a vibrant member and continued to look forward to tea and conversation with visitors, always ready with a smile.
Sister Mary Teresa’s gentle approach endeared her to all, whether they were young or old. She had a positive attitude towards life and deep empathy for people who were struggling with various problems and difficulties. She was very close to her family and dearly loved the successive generations. Sister Mary Teresa took holidays in Ireland, where she attended family occasions, spent time with cousins and neighbours, and visited the Shrine of our Lady in Knock.
Throughout her life, Mary Teresa was a prayerful, reflective person. Her greatest prayer was: “Do pray that justice may be accomplished in Peace, that truth may prevail.” Laterally, as her health began to deteriorate, she was very much at peace. She knew the encounter with stillness where Divine love begins. She knew herself as beloved. She was filled with the hope that burned in her heart her whole life.
Sister Mary Teresa Sheridan passed away unexpectedly on 10 October 2025. We give thanks for the gift of Mary Teresa among us — her gentle spirit, sense of humour and deep love of her family and the Congregation. May Mary Teresa now rest in the Peace and Love of God.