Strabane mourns much-loved educator Sister Carmel

AN outpouring of grief swept the district this week following the passing of Sister Carmel Fanning.

An integral part of Strabane life, both scholastically and ecumenically, Sr Carmel was a former principal of the Convent Primary School, St Anne’s Primary School and St Catherine’s Primary School. She passed away on Monday.

“Our board of governors, staff, pupils, parents and school family and friends are deeply saddened at the passing of Sr Carmel Fanning,” a statement from St Catherine’s Primary School read.

“Sr Carmel… was an innovative, creative leader and role model who brought so much and had such an impact on the education of our little children. She was a true inspiration to so many and showed such compassion, kindness and wisdom to our children and their families. May her gentle, generous soul rest in peace.”

Sr Carmel was well-known and loved by many residents of the town, a place she has called home since first arriving in Strabane as a boarder at the Mount Carmel Convent and then the Convent Grammar School. Born in Derry in 1932, Sr Carmel and her family moved to Dublin a decade later. After arriving in Strabane and completing her education, she took holy orders, entering the convent in 1950 undertaking three years of a noviciate after which she made a life in the nun-hood her profession.

During her time in Strabane, Sr Carmel dedicated her life to educating future generations until retiring from St Catherine’s in 1997.

Also paying tribute this week was Strabane Community Unemployed Group (SCUG). A statement said, “We at Strabane Community Unemployed Group are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Sr Carmel. She helped us in so many ways over the years. We thank you for all your hard work and dedication you showed to us. We will be forever grateful to you. During this sad time, we are reminded of a quote, ‘’death may end a life but never a relationship’’; you will remain in our hearts forever.”

On hearing of Sr Carmel’s passing, West Tyrone ML Daniel McCrossan remarked, “I am deeply saddened this morning to learn about the passing of Sr Carmel. She played a significant role in our community for many years, and each of us holds cherished memories of this lovely, gentle, and kind woman.

“She was a significant pillar of our local community life. A daily part of our church and faith, she was an educator and to so many, a friend…

“May her gentle soul rest in peace.”

Requiem Mass for Sr Carmel will take place Thursday at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Strabane at 12noon.