Toba Tek Singh, Mustafabad, Pakistan and formerly of Ballycorroon, Crossmolina
Auntie Freddie was a huge part of our lives, we prayed for her every day in those far distant lands and kept in regular contact by letter and in later years by email.
She was born in 1936, the youngest of eight children to William and Mary Kate Connor, Ballycorroon, Crossmolina. She attended St Tiernan’s Girls National School where the Jesus and Mary nuns taught, and went on to board at Gortnor Abbey for a further five years.
Freddie always wanted to work on the missions. She followed her aunt and two Hanley cousins from Ballina and joined the Jesus and Mary order at Gortnor Abbey in 1954. As the order was a teaching one she opted for nursing as the perfect preparation for the life of a missionary. She trained as a nurse at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin. In 1961 she set sail for the mission station in Mariampura,Gujarat, India and had an audience with Pope John 23rd. on her way.
She put her nursing skills to good use in service of the poor of that district. Ten years later she transferred to Mariakhel, Pakistan where she continued to serve the people there. Over the next 30 years she served in Islamabad, again in Mariakel and finally in Toba Tek Singh.
In 2001 the dispensary in Mariakel was closed - Freddie found this hard to accept. Her love for her patients she served so devotedly be they Christian or Muslim made it hard for her to abandon them as she felt this closure to be. At the same time her physical health began to deteriorate and scoliosis took its toll - walking became difficult.
These two deep sufferings weighed deeply on her - she could see no future for herself. However, The Lord had his own plans, and when it was suggested that perhaps she might find a new mission through her music she not only accepted the offer to teach music in Toba but did so with all the love, kindness and generosity with which she had previously served the poor sick. The children responded to this love and to the joy music brought to them.
Freddie returned home to Ireland every three years for four months’ holiday with her family. She always remained focused and continued to work on behalf of her community while at home. As soon as she would arrive, she would put her grand plan into action - make contact with the state agencies, the local apostolic workers groups (Crossmolina, Ballina, Castlebar, Sligo, Galway and Belfast), good -hearted neighbours, relations and friends who were all so generous to her each time she came home. She spent most of her time gathering the fruits of their good work and brought it all back to her needy parish. She would use whoever was available as a means to this end. We were glad to help and time spent with her passed so quickly.
Freddie was due home this summer, we were all very disappointed when her health was not good enough for the long journey - three of her nieces (sisters) travelled to Lahore Hospital to see her over the Easter break and say farewell from her heartbroken family. Reading the many cards sent to Freddie from the children of Toba you realise how deeply she touched them, the staff of the school and the people of the parish - she will be sadly missed.
Your easy charm, your quick sense of humour and lovely smile will always remain in our hearts.
Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dilis.
Your loving godchild and niece, Marian
