Mary Thelwell, CSJP-A (1936-2023)
Originally from Yorkshire, England, Mary and her husband John made their home in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire, England, where they raised four daughters: Anne, Christine, Katie, and Jo. Mary was a social worker for the Catholic Children’s Society. John was a teacher and ran as the Liberal Party candidate in the local elections.
Mary first crossed paths with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace while working with young women at St. Joseph’s Home for Mothers and Babies. As a member of the Catholic Children’s Society Adoption Team, she helped mothers with the placement of their newborns or supported them in keeping their children. There, Mary also befriended and, later, mentored Sister Maureen Brennan, CSJP, who worked with her often.
With the encouragement of Sister Madeleine Campion, CSJP, Mary became an associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace after retirement. She made her first covenant on the 2 June 2001. Mary felt that she wanted to be part of the community to deepen her spiritual life and commit to the mission of the Church in the world. The charism of justice and peace was especially dear to her heart.
Mary was already actively engaged in numerous parish activities where she did the work she loved best – serving and helping others. Once an associate, she cherished participating in community meetings and events, such as the Congregational Retreat in Loughborough and the Chapters in London in 2002 and in the United States in 2008. Inspired by the spiritual and social values of the community, she encouraged others to consider joining the associate programme. She later served as an Associate Co-Director for the United Kingdom region alongside Sister Ann Helen Byrne, CSJP.
In her letter requesting Lasting Covenant, Mary spoke of “the countless blessings” that association had brought her. She credited community gatherings with aiding in “personal growth and thought-provoking renewal”. She further recalled “the love and prayers which sustained and comforted me through periods of illness and immense sadness.”
As Mary’s health declined, she moved to residential care at Leawood Manor Care Home, Nottingham. Sister Maureen Brennan visited her a few days before she died. This was a great blessing for Mary, and she thanked Maureen most graciously. Mary died peacefully on the 2 November 2023, the Feast of All Souls. She was predeceased by her husband John and survived by her four daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Mary’s Funeral Mass took place at St. Margaret Clitherow Church, Keyworth, on Tuesday, 5 December 2023. Several sisters and associates attended.
May Mary now rest in God’s Peace.