Sr. Cyrilla was born Elizabeth Patricia O’Connor in Cork City, County Cork, Ireland to James and Mary Ann Savage O’Connor. She entered the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word at St. Michael’s Convent, County Clare in January 1953. Sister consecrated her life to God through Profession of Perpetual Vows at Villa de Matel in Houston on December 8, 1960.
Sister Cyrilla studied typing, shorthand and business methods at The Commercial College in County Kerry, Ireland prior to becoming a Sister. At a later date, she attended Sacred Heart Dominican College, Houston, TX. The skills she acquired served her well as she assisted many while in ministry in the business offices of some of the Congregation’s sponsored health care facilities: St. Joseph Hospital, Houston, TX; St. Therese Hospital, Beaumont, TX; St. Bernardine Medical Center, San Bernardino, CA; St. Mary Medical Center, Long Beach, CA; and at St. Joseph Villa, Salt Lake City, UT where her expert administrative and clerical skills served others well. These same attributes also made an invaluable contribution at Villa de Matel, Motherhouse of the Congregation, where she served as treasurer for several years.
In 2002, she transitioned from active ministry to a life primarily of prayer at Villa de Matel. Through the years, she was experienced by many as a very kind, generous, hospitable and gracious person.
Sister Cyrilla was honored and awarded the Pontifical Honor of the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (for the Church and the Pope) on June 29, 1997 at St. Mary’s Seminary, Houston, Texas.
She is survived by her brother: Peter O’Connor, and her sisters: Peggy (Michael) O’Keefe, Eileen (John) Costello, Mary Anne (Francis) Cantillon and Kathleen (Paddy) Crowley, and many nieces and nephews, all living in Ireland.
We extend a special thanks to the Sisters and Staff at St. Anne Convent for the gentle and loving care during Sister’s later years.
Sister Cyrilla’s body will be received at the Immaculate Conception Chapel, Villa De Matel, 6510 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas at: 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2016, followed by Evening Praise and a celebration of her life. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 2, 2016. The Rite of Committal will follow at Villa de Matel Cemetery.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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