Sr. Mary John Bosco Holland

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Memories of Sr. John Bosco Holland

In her Final Wishes paper, Sr. John Bosco (J.B.) wrote “No Obituary” and “no flowers”.  We want to honor her wishes but hope she will forgive us for writing down a few memories of what was dear to JB and what made her so dear to us. 

JB was the daughter of Hannah Whelton and Daniel Holland, born in Lislevane, Co, Cork, Ireland on September 2, 1927 and was one of four children. Her beloved family was a key part of who she was.  Her sister Eileen Quinn, brother Paddy and sister Tessy Noonan (deceased) were ever in her heart and she in theirs.  The next generation of nephews, nieces and grands kept in close touch with her through emails, pictures and even Zoom.  Being able to see the family, especially Eileen and Paddy, brought her great joy, even when she was no longer able to hear them.

After entering the Missionary Franciscan Sisters in 1948, she began years of ministry in several missions throughout the US Province.  Wherever she was, and whatever her ministry, her impact upon staff and clients was always the same, whether it was the recipients of her health care service, internal ministry, volunteers for the Soup Suppers, her 20 mile Walk for Hunger done for years with students or the various other ministries to which she gave her all, including the staff here in Tenafly.   Everyone always asked for “Sister J.B.” 

In her final wishes paper, she wrote what says the most about what she considered to be central to her life: “Death notice to say ‘Missionary Franciscan Sister for many years.” Thank you, dear JB, for all that you did and have been for all of us.  Please forgive us for writing these few words about you!  It is not really an Obituary but a few of the memories being shared by all of us these days about you. 

Rest in peace, dear JB.

With love and prayers from your Tenafly Sisters

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