Posted on: 15 April 2026

Author:Sister Joan Kerley

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YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF
SISTER LUCY (ELIZABETH) DUNNE
Who died at St. Joseph’s Home, Plymouth Road, Manchester, on the 10th of April 2026
MAY SHE REST IN PEACE

Sister Lucy was the eldest child of Nicholas and Elizabeth Dunne of Glenbarrow, Rosenallis, Co. Laois, Ireland. Born on 17 February 1937 and baptised Elizabeth, she entered our Convent of St. Francis in Cork. She began her novitiate in Altrincham on 29 June 1956 and made her First Vows on 6 January 1958. She professed her Perpetual Vows on 1 May 1963.

Lucy served in Mill Hill colleges before supporting vulnerable children and young people who needed the care of the Rescue Society in Manchester. Lucy was particularly gifted when caring for children and teenagers with additional needs - emotional, physical and intellectual….many of whom she continued to support as adults informally.

After 34 years, these skills were seamlessly transferred to her work with men and women in ‘Cornerstone’, a centre set up by Caritas, Salford, which supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Lucy enjoyed good relationships with her staff teams and volunteers, who tended to stay for many years working with her. On hearing of her death, their comments confirm how special she was - a ‘One Off’. Angela, with whom Lucy established ‘Cornerstone’ in Moss Side in 2002 and with whom she worked closely, said on hearing of her death, ‘Sr. Lucy a saint! A hard worker, an excellent cook who had an amazing gift of really understanding people and what they needed, Lucy died as she lived, without fanfare.
Lucy is remembered as a woman of deep humility, steady kindness, and quiet, transformative service and love. She lived simply and gave of herself freely, offering her presence, care and compassion without ever seeking recognition. Those who lived and worked alongside her recall not only what she did, but how she made them feel — seen, accepted and valued.

Her gentle respect for others, her calm in challenging moments, and her unwavering acceptance of people of every age and temperament form the heart of how we will remember her. Through countless small, loving acts, she changed lives in ways that will endure. Lucy leaves behind a legacy of selfless love, quiet strength, and a life lived in generous service.

Lucy spent her final three years in a care home belonging to the Little Sisters of the Poor, where she received excellent care in a loving and respectful environment.
Lucy was a much-loved and appreciated member of her large family with which she was in regular contact. In her final days, members of the family accompanied her, as did her FMSJ Sisters.
Lucy leaves us a legacy of countless small acts of love that changed lives in lasting ways. May she now enter into the eternal rest she so richly deserves. RIP.