Evelyn Mary Kearns

Deceased Sisters

Evelyn Mary Kearns - United Kingdom
14/04/1924 - 17/04/2022

Evelyn was born on April 14^th 1924 to Mr and Mrs Kearns, of Elphin, Co Roscommon. Both parents were Secondary School Teachers. There were eight children in the family - three girls and five boys. Evelyn came fully alive whenever she began to recall her early years, especially the summer holidays. When August came, the bags were packed and off the whole family would go to their seaside ‘hide-out’. They had staff to see to all their needs, especially to keep them safe, but they always knew where their parents were and when their cousins were arriving from Dublin to join in the fun.

Back home in Elphin, Evelyn claimed that she was the most popular girl - when the Tennis Tournament time came round the boys always chose her for their team because she had the best serve and the most accurate back-hand. Evelyn not only excelled at Tennis but in every subject. She was a ‘High-Flyer’ all round and of exceptionally high ability. Evelyn’s Primary Education took place in the National School Elphin. She would have been very happy then to complete her education locally and so would her parents, but her aunt, Mother Celestine, had other ideas. She was very anxious that Evelyn should go as a boarder to the Marist Secondary School in Carrick-on-Shannon and benefit from a Marist Education. All agreed and all were happy and so the foundations of Evelyn’s ‘Marist Spirituality and Charism’ were laid.

Evelyn imbibed the surrounding expressions of spirituality and charism, with so many Marist Sisters of friendly disposition touching her life. Each person she met was a mystery to be explored. Having passed her Leaving Certificate with flying colours, she could have gone directly to the University, but instead went to the Novitiate and began her Religious Formation to become a Marist Sister.

After her First Profession in 1944, Evelyn spent the next four years at Dublin University obtaining Honours and Firsts in all subjects. She not only achieved for herself, but kept in mind the needs of students in future years. Yes, all qualifications were for now and for ‘those who were to come after’. To this end, she broadened her portfolio of achievement so as to give more opportunity to her pupils with Science, A-Level Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Technology, as well as a gold medal in Speech and silver medal in Drama. All these further qualifications made a big contribution to the facilities on offer as Headmistress in Barnstaple, West Byfleet and Manchester and when she taught in Birmingham. Evelyn undertook work as a Councillor in many areas including our Provincial House and Generalate and wherever needed. She worked creatively in the German parishes of Haldensleben and Seehausen, before ministering in Walsingham and finally coming to retire in Villa Maria.

Evelyn was a delightful and well-integrated person, not just an academic. In later years, her Marist Spirituality was central to her life, yet she enjoyed the TV, while making sure that the Daily Mail was safe under the cushion! She valued people and delighted in them. She made and kept faithful friends. On hearing of her death, Jean Brusch wrote from Germany: I have been thinking about Evelyn and praying for her. May she rest in Peace. I was heart-broken when I heard she would be leaving Barnstaple, but we always kept in contact. Of course when she came to Germany, we saw each other often. She persevered with a new language, read novels in German and was able to converse with local people very well after a few months. It was amazing. I am sure there were many people who were touched by her love and deep faith. God bless her.

Our own feelings on the death of Evelyn are similar to those of Sr Beate who lived and worked very closely with her for some years. She writes: Evelyn had a special gift of reaching out to people, whether they were in church or elsewhere. She welcomed people into her heart and they her. Evelyn was with me in Germany – first in Stendal for a few months, then I think two years in Haldensleben and in Seehausen. There was a tradition in East Germany to visit everyone over 65 who was celebrating a Birthday. This tradition delighted Evelyn. It made Life and Faith all one. She joined in all the Youth activities – Barbeques, Discos. She told them stories about her life and faith which they loved. She never held a grudge. Once a problem was aired, it was forgotten about.

A parishioner in Seehausen says that when they met recently in the presence of their former Bishop, Leo Nowak, Evelyn was referred to as ‘unforgettable’! Sr Evelyn has a place in my heart forever. Living and working with her has enriched my life.

Another who knew Evelyn very well, writes with fondness and humour – I dare say that by now she has walked in and out of the ‘Mansions Above’. Saint Peter will have his job cut out to confine her to one! Dear Evelyn, may she rest in peace.

Evelyn was a true Marist - her spirituality was all embracing and not limited to time or place. She lived out the Marist Charism every moment of her life, She could ‘fight her corner’ if she felt she had to, but she never forgot the presence of God. She would be one with St. Paul in ‘Whatever you do in word or work, do all in the name of Christ Jesus’. As Fr Jim reminded us in his Funeral Homily – Sisters walk alongside each other as they journey through life in Discipleship with Christ. If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.

Sr Vivienne, in expressing her personal condolence, writes from Rome: I give thanks for the life of Evelyn Mary - a remarkable woman… Given the special character she was, it was not really surprising that she took her leave on Easter Sunday! Of course with the death of every Sister we feel the loss. May Mary’s comforting presence be with and among you all as you prepare to farewell Evelyn.

Rest in Peace, dear Evelyn. Amen.

Deceased Sisters

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