Sister Colette Hickey, Irelands oldest person has died aged 108 years old.
The founder of Cork’s Edel House Residential Centre, marked an extraordinary milestone when she celebrated her 108th birthday on January 31st last.
Sr Colette passed away earlier this afternoon at a nursing home in Cork.
Born in County Waterford in 1918, she was honoured as the first-ever Cork Person of the Year in 1993.
Her lifelong commitment to supporting vulnerable people has had a profound impact on the Cork community.
In 1972, Sister Colette established Edel House, creating one of Ireland’s first emergency refuges for women and children experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic abuse.
What began as a single initiative grew into Good Shepherd Cork, a leading organisation that continues to provide shelter, support, and opportunities for women and families in need.
At 108 years of age, Sister Colette remained remarkably sharp and deeply interested in the charity’s ongoing work.
Over the course of her lifetime, she witnessed immense change, outliving ten Irish presidents, fifteen Taoisigh, and ten popes.
Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Damien Boylan said he is “deeply saddened at her passing and that Sr Colette leaves behind a legacy that continues to transform lives across Cork and beyond”.
Campaigner for the elderly Paddy O’ Brien who visited Sr Colette just last Wednesday described her as a walking saint who will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
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