SISTER M. FIDELMA COUGHLAN, IBVM

During the evening of Wednesday, November 27, Sister M. Fedelma (Ellen Coughlan) died peacefully at Loretto Abbey, Toronto, after several months of persistent and rewarding efforts on her part to recover from the affects of a stroke suffered some months previously.

Sister Fidelma was the daughter of Dr. Richard Coughlan and Teresa Hurley, of Hastings, Ontario. At an early age she became a boarder at Loretto Academy, Hamilton, from which she graduated. Feeling the call to serve her Master in the religious life, she entered Loretto Abbey in 1914 where sixty years later she celebrated her diamond jubilee, Feb. 2, 1974.

During her many years in the apostolate of teaching, Sister Fidelma was principal of St. Vincent’s and St. Rita’s schools; later she taught in the grades in Blessed Sacrament School, Toronto, and at Loretto Academy, Hamilton. From 1928 to 1932 Sister was superior of Loretto Convent in Saskatoon and taught on the staff of St. Mary’s School there. Wherever she taught her students remember her as an excellent, interesting and demanding teacher. In her use of her talents in music and art, she lightened the burdens of learning for many students. The encouragement she gave to students in whom she discerned special talents often led to a successful future career.

Sister Fidelma is pre-deceased by three sisters; Teresa Couglan, Marie (Mrs. Gallivan) and Cecile (Mrs. Heppenstall); but is survived by a brother, Richard Coughlan, Seattle, Washington. Present at her funeral were her two nephews - Vincent Gallivan of Ottawa, and James Gallivan, Kingston; a niece, Mrs. R.J. Burke (Therese Gallivan), Libertyville, Illinois, was unable to be present due to illness.

The funeral mass was concelebrated by Reverend L.E. McLean CSB, a former pupil of Sister Fidelma; Reverend C.E. Wilson CSP, St. Peter’s Toronto; and Reverend Patrick McCorkell, S.J. Regis College, Willowdale. In his homily Fr. McLean paid tribute to Sister Fedelma as one of those to whose influence he attributed his vocation to the priesthood.

Interment was in the Sisters’ plot in Mount Hope Cemetery where the prayers at the graveside were offered by Reverend L.E. McLean, CSB. In the presence of Reverend C.E. Wilson, SSP, and Reverend Patrick McCorkell, S.J. ; the Sisters, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.