Lord Mayor Opens Book of Condolences for Edel House Founder Sr Colette Hickey
A Book of Condolences has been opened for Sr Colette Hickey, founder of Edel House and first Cork Person of the Year, who has died aged 108.
The Lord Mayor of Cork has opened a Book of Condolences for Sr Colette Hickey, the Good Shepherd Sister who founded Edel House and was the first ever winner of the Cork Person of the Year award, who has died aged 108.
Lord Mayor Cllr Damian Boylan opened the book today at the Atrium of the Civic Offices on Anglesea Street. Members of the public can sign the book from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, for the next two weeks.
Sr Colette Hickey was the first ever winner of the Cork Person of the Year award, receiving the honour in 1993.
Paying tribute on Wednesday, the Lord Mayor said:
"Sr Colette's passing is a profound loss, not just to those who knew her personally, but to the people of Cork, and the wider community that benefited from her life's work.
She will be remembered as a woman of deep compassion and unwavering commitment to those most in need.
As the founder of Edel House, she created a place of shelter and sanctuary where dignity, respect, and hope could be restored to women and families facing homelessness and hardship.
As well as providing practical help to those in need, Sr Colette also provided perhaps something more important - human kindness and understanding.
She was, for many, a steady presence in times of crisis, someone who listened without judgment and acted with genuine care.
As we mourn her loss, we also look back at her long and well-lived life and are thankful for all she gave.
Her vision and her efforts transformed lives.
Her legacy is evident in the many lives she touched.
Her spirt lives on in Edel House.
May she rest in peace."
