Sister Maria Pia Doherty (Mary Josephine)
Sister Maria Pia, born Mary Josephine, was the proud daughter of Catherine and Joseph Doherty, the oldest of eight children, five girls and three boys. Her parents worked during tough times on the family farm to support their large family. She spent her early years in Coleraine, Co Derry, in an area surrounded by natural beauty and steeped in history. She grew up in a happy, faith filled family imbued with Christian values that shaped her throughout life. Her parents valued education sending her to our RNDM school in Limavady, after which she attended the Mater Hospital Belfast to do training as a nurse. After a year, she sensed a strong call to become a Religious. Leaving her loving and secure home was difficult for her parents and siblings. She travelled to Hastings in the South of England, where she began her Postulancy in March 1955, embarking on a fulfilling and happy mission of sixty years as an RNDM.
After First Profession Maria spent time as secretary in St Mary’s School at St Leonards while at the same time continuing her studies. She had a desire to teach, and this led her to train as a primary school teacher at Mount Pleasant Teacher Training Institute, Liverpool from 1963 to 1966. She started teaching at St Thomas’ School in Canterbury, 1966 to 1972, where she dedicated six years of her life to shaping young minds. From 1972 to 1983 she taught primary school children at St Joseph’s in Wealdstone, Harrow and was one of ten teachers who acquired seconded leave from school to do the advanced diploma in the education of young children at Wall Hall College, Watford where she proudly earned a Dip Ed. in recognition of her competency. Maria loved teaching and involving the children in a variety of interest and activities. She had a keen curiosity in observing the miracles of nature. A story is told of tadpoles which the children were minding so enthusiastically in the classroom observing their behaviour and growth. However, these were forgotten about during the school break. Imagine the excitement when school opened to find many little frogs hopping about the classroom!!
Following a period of renewal with an international group of RNDM’s in Rome, Maria’s leadership and commitment to education was further sustained when she became Principal in 1983 – 87 at St Anne’s, Sturry. She continued to contribute to the educational field as Assistant Teacher at St Ethelbert’s, Ramsgate, from 1987 to 1995. She retired from teaching in 1995.
Following her retirement, Maria’s mission took a different direction. She followed a year’s course in pastoral studies at Milltown Institute, Dublin, before returning to Wealdstone where she was involved in pastoral ministry in the local parish. She took delight in meeting and helping young children who were preparing to receive the sacraments. Her early faith experience became evident in the way Maria taught the children how to live a life of faith and thus make a significant positive contribution to their families and to the wider society. One of her God given gifts was the ability to educate and enlighten from within the group. She was also supportive in helping with various responsibilities within the community keeping the house Journal up to date as well as House bursar.
In 2008, Maria moved to Kent where she enjoyed a quieter lifestyle. The earlier unsuccessful surgery on hip and knee caused a gradual decline in mobility. Eventually her health required more attention, and she moved to St Anne’s. Maria was blessed with a sharp intellect, with a keen interest in reading and world affairs. She had a particular love of sport with football her passion. To quote one family member, “As a true Manchester United fan, Maria did not just like football, Maria liked Man United”. This provided her with much relaxation, joy and energy.
Maria’s gift and example of unwavering commitment and faithfulness as an RNDM missionary woman will live on. Her gentle, loving nature, her laughter and infectious smile will be kindly remembered. In her later years, Maria was totally dependent on others and always grateful for those who accompanied her pastorally, emotionally and spiritually, especially the staff at St Anne’s and the sisters for the care and help given.
The Mass of thanksgiving was celebrated by Canon Anthony Carlton, Parish Priest of St Thomas’ Canterbury, on 16th April in the Chapel at St Anne’s Sturry. This was enriched by the sweet melodious voice of her niece and by the presence of her sister, two brothers, nieces and nephews, Sister Catherine Corrigan, Province Leader, with members of her Team, Sisters from the communities in Sturry, Wealdstone, New Southgate, a tribute to the life well lived of a faithful RNDM. Thank you, Maria Pia, rest in peace.
Maria is laid to rest in the Cemetery in Sturry
“When it’s over I want to say; all my life I was a bride married to amazement”
(Mary Oliver)