Passing of legendary figure in Athlone educational world
The death has occurred of Sr Mary Austin (Frances) Briscoe, a legendary figure in the world of education in Athlone.
The 99-year-old member of the La Sainte Union sisters, known to generations in Athlone as Sr Austin, passed away on Tuesday in her 80th year of religious life.
Sr Austin's work focused on education and, with others, she was instrumental in establishing St Hilda's Services for those with special needs and she dedicated much of her teaching life to children with special needs.
She was born Mary Frances Briscoe on October 1, 1922 in Portumna before her family moved to Eyrecourt. She joined the La Sainte Union order in Our Lady's Bower, Kildare, on October 7, 1942.
She had been based in Athlone since 1944 and taught in the Bower National School, the infants school, and as a teacher of those with special needs.
She marked the 75th anniversary of her ordination at a ceremony in Athlone in July 2017 celebrated by the then Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, Francis Duffy.
A biographical piece put together in advance of the 2017 event stated: "It's said she knows everyone in Athlone and beyond, and if she didn't teach you, she taught someone related to you."
During her retirement she continued to work voluntarily in St Hilda's and in more recent years was a resident at Sonas Nursing Home, Athlone.
She is deeply regretted by her La Sainte Union Sisters, her brothers Charlie and Ambrose, sisters-in-law Eileen and Pat, her loving family and wide circle of friends.
The late Sr Austin will repose at Flynn's Funeral Home, The Strand, Athlone on Thursday from 4pm until 7pm (walk through only please and no handshaking). Requiem Mass on Friday at 10.30am in St. Mary's Church, Athlone, followed by burial afterwards in Fahy Cemetery, Eyrecourt, Co. Galway.
No flowers please, donations if desired to St. Hilda's Special School, Athlone.
For those unable to attend or who wish to live stream Sr. Austin's Funeral Mass, please click on the link here on Wednesday at 10.30am:
Sr Austin's family are still very conscious of the fact that Covid is still present and would appreciate if social distancing, face covering and no hand-shaking took place during the funeral.