“Mentor, Servant and True Catholic” – Tributes Pour in for Sr Colmcille Roche RSM

by Daluxolo Moloantoa · June 20, 2023

Fellow nuns, former students and individuals from a cross-section of South African society have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late Sister of Mercy Colmcille Roche.

The Irish-born Mercy Sister died on 18 June 2023. She lived in South Africa for over three decades, and for many years served as principal of Tsogo High School in Mmakau Village, north-west of Pretoria.

Among the other roles she served in, she was also a frail-care manager at the Mercy Centre and a member of the schooling staff at Iona Convent, both in Pretoria.

She will be laid to rest on Thursday 22 June 2023.

Funeral details:
Requiem Mass: St Columba Catholic Church, Capital Park, Pretoria
Time: 11h00am

Follow the funeral online at: https://g.co/kgs/xyBCXL

Here are some of the tributes to Sr Colmcille posted online. May her soul rest in peace:

“We are saddened by the recent passing of our former school principal Sr Colmcille Roche RSM. Our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, the catholic community and all Tsogo High School alumni,” Tsogo High School.

“Rest well Sr. Colmcille Roche…She was a true definition of the saying, dynamites come in small packages”, Laurika Nxumalo.

“Rest well my principal Sr Colmcille. You gave up your life and family in Europe to come to South Africa to serve humanity and the poorest of the poor in the company of the Sisters of Mercy. You were my mentor, my teacher, my school principal and a mother to many. Iqhawe la maqhawe”, Kgopedi Willy Molefe.

“Sad to hear of Sr Colmcille’s passing. I will always treasure the lively memories I have of her and my aunt Sr Xavier in Mmakau Village. Hope that you’re all well at the Most Holy Redeemer Church”, Marguerite Quinn.

“Sr Colmcille was an institution by herself. She was many things to her students. A principal, a mother, a teacher. What an amazing woman. Thankful to have been a student at Tsogo High School during her tenure”, Riya Sara Cherian.

“A real blessing to Tsogo High School. She touched many hearts and lives. May she rest well”, Koketso Mogaladi.

“Anyone that has had the privilege to have met or interacted with Sr Colmcille…would know what a firecracker she was. My biggest cheerleader.I couldn’t have called anyone else a true mentor. She will be missed. Thank you for the countless lives you have touched”, Liya Areyamma Cherian.