An Appreciation:SISTER ADRIAN, who has died aged 92, was a distinguished Dominican nun and educator. She was born Dora May on August 22nd, 1917, in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo. Her family life there inspired her love of the English language, learning and the arts. She completed her secondary education at Dominican Convent school, Eccles Street, Dublin, where she embarked on a life dedicated to the Dominican Order.
Having made her final profession as a Dominican nun in 1941, after six years as a novice in Dominican Convent Cabra, she later graduated from University College Dublin with a BA and HDip in Education. She went on to teach at various Dominican schools, including spending 11 years at Dominican College Wicklow (from 1951 to 1963). She finally came back to teach in her beloved Cabra in 1968 and became principal at St Dominic’s College, from 1973 to 1983.
Her strong commitment to her religious vocation was evident to all who knew her. Constant prayer, study and reflection were integral to her life. She loved to travel, visiting Lisbon many times, as well as Rome, Paris, The Holy Land, England and Wales. Fully active in community life, she developed lasting friendships throughout her life.
Her enthusiasm for teaching languages was only one aspect of a dedication to education as a means of enabling and encouraging generations of girls to achieve their full potential. She taught English, Latin and French and her work in Cabra extended to a pioneering interest in establishing and developing the school library.
A judicious and effective principal, she was popular and highly esteemed by both colleagues and pupils.
After retiring as principal, she began her second career as a bursar for Dominican Convent Cabra for 20 years. During this period, she maintained her love for the English language and teaching and she had scheduled classes up to the last week of her life. Her understanding of the various challenges facing those she worked with in education and as a bursar was apparent in her abilities to both empathise and organise.
An avid radio listener and reader all her life, she maintained up-to-date interests in many diverse subjects. She acted on her love for family and friends – loyal, thoughtful and unobtrusive in her consideration, and constantly remembering those she loved in her daily prayers. Those who spent time in her company will always remember her wholehearted welcome, good humour, kindness and sincere concern for others.
Sister Adrian is missed by many who loved her as a friend and by many more who remember her as someone with a true sense of vocation which was fulfilled in a long and active life. She died on July 28th, 2010, and is buried, as she wished, at Dominican Convent Cabra. Soli Deo gloria. – NK