Community mourns as devoted nun dies (From Croydon Guardian)

Community mourns as devoted nun dies

11:33am Tuesday 3rd August 2010 in Local news By Kirsty Whalley

Sister Joan is congratulated on her MBE by former Archibishop of Southwark Kevin McDonald

A much loved nun who devoted 25 years of her life to helping the needy in New Addington has died.

Sister Joan O’Donoghue, who was awarded an MBE for her services to the community, died in hospital yesterday morning.

The nun, from the order of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph, had lived and worked in New Addington since 1985.

As part of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, she pioneered a mission to the homeless, running a soup kitchen in central London and also working with refugees, single mothers and victims of domestic violence in New Addington.

As news of her death reached a devastated community, many spoke of their great loss.

She lived with Sister Mary Pauline and Sister Mary Andrew.

In a statement, the members of her order said: "Joan died yesterday morning after a short illness. As one of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph she had worked untiringly as the parish sister in New Addington.

"Joan committed herself totally to the people there and to the homeless and refugees. The pivot of so much social out-reach, her death has come as a huge shock to everyone. Her tremendous compassion, warmth and dedication will be missed by all."

George Ayres, councillor for New Addington said: "Her loss is inestimable. She was pious, generous and amusing. She was just a wonderful human being.

"She helped traveller communities and did a huge amount of work for the homeless. She never shouted her own praises. She just quietly got on with her work."

Brenda Kirby, former councillor of New Addington, said: "What a great loss, she had such charisma and was so fantastic."

Former Croydon Central MP Andrew Pelling said: "She was a totemic figure in New Addington whose mission to the homeless in London was renowned. She also had an excellent sense of humour and was marvellously sceptical of politicians."

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