Sr. M. Imelda Healy

Sr. M. Imelda Healy, Barnaderg

Sr. Imelda Healy began life as Sarah Anne Healy and was born on 10th of September, 1919 into a farming family in the parish of Killererin. Her parents were James and Nora Healy (nee Murphy) . She was one of five children.

Early Education

Her education began in Barnaderg N.S. where she achieved her Primary Certificate which was compulsory at the time. She then progressed to Secondary school in the Mercy Convent, Tuam and achieved her Leaving and Matriculation Certificates, there.

Entered the Convent

Shortly after her 20th birthday, she honoured her vocation and entered the Mercy Convent, Galway on 29th October, 1939, choosing Sr. Imelda as her name in religion. She performed a variety of duties for the convent, until she was fully professed, including teaching first class while also working in St. Anne’s Orphanage, Lenaboy .

Nursing Career

Her nursing studies began in February, 1948, when she became a student nurse in the Central Hospital, Galway, later known as the Regional Hospital and today known as University College Hospital Galway (UCHG).

On 5th March, 1951, she  qualified as a General Nurse.

Training as a Midwife

Once she gained her qualification as a General Nurse, she immediately began training to be a midwife and on April 4th, 1951,she completed the first period of training for pupil-midwives.

On February 27th, 1952, she completed her midwifery training and was registered in the Midwives Division of the Register of Nurses.

Further Qualifications followed

On 23rd March, 1965, she qualified as a Registered Nurse Tutor

On 14th July, 1972, Sr. Imelda was admitted to the General Nursing Council for England and Wales.

Nursing Career

1951: Staff Nurse in the Central Hospital

1954: Studied to become Nurse Tutor in Edinburgh University

1954 – 1961: Sister Tutor from 1954 – 1961

1961 – 1967: Principal Tutor

1967: Assistant Matron

1975: Deputised for Matron in 1975 until her retirement

1984: Retired September 1984

From all those that knew her best, one word seems to come up again and again – ‘humble’. By all accounts, she was very kind to everyone she knew especially her student nurses.

Sr. Imelda learned to drive late in life and enjoyed coming back home to the family home in Killererin where her niece Collette (who also became a nurse), now resides. She also loved travelling.

Sr. M. Imelda (Sarah Anne) Healy passed away on the 6th January, 1996, aged 76. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.