Sr Alma died on the 1st of May, 2024 at St Michael’s Care, Westgate-on-Sea, England, at the age of 94, 70 years of which as a religious sister.

A Requiem Mass was celebrated at Holy Family Church Birchington, Kent on the 24^th of May, followed by cremation at Charing Crematorium along with her brother who died the week before.

Alma was born on the 26^th of May 1929 in Holborn and Clerkenwell, London, the second child of William and Lavinia Barrington.

Alma enjoyed a happy childhood, playing in the garden in the company of her brother and the dog.  She did well in her primary school before moving to Maryville, the Daughters of Jesus Convent school in Welling, Kent.  She was a good student, showing a preference for maths, applied maths, art, and all things creative, but also enjoying nature subjects and English.  Outside of class, Alma was a good sportswoman.  She excelled on the tennis courts and led the school netball team to success in many competitions with local schools. 

Towards the end of her school life, Alma took instruction and became a Catholic.  She felt drawn to become a Sister, but before entering the formation house in Brittany, France in 1950, she spent some time in the Daughters of Jesus community in High Wycombe teaching in St Augustine’s Primary School.  She made her vows in the Mother House in 1953, returned to England, and helped in the primary school in Colne Lancs. while preparing for teacher training college in 1959.  Having specialised in Maths and Craft work, Alma taught in Rickmansworth Senior School combining this with studies of accountancy, and secretarial skills.

In 1975 she worked briefly in the Daughters of Jesus retreat and conference centre in Massingham, Norfolk, and returned to Welling in 1976 to serve as school secretary and first aider in Maryville and in St Joseph’s Convents.  In both schools, she was much appreciated for her willingness to help in any emergency:  notes to be typed for the next lesson, a document to be found, messages to be transmitted, etc. As a first aider, the pupils loved her gentleness in dealing with their knocks and tumbles in the playground, or for any small ailment which might occur.  She also understood mishaps such as a lost exercise book, or one damaged by a spill of CocaCola or scribbles, and would discreetly provide a new one.  The Tuck Shop was another of Sr Alma’s duties. which she kept stocked with known favourites, and sometimes stretched the closing time a bit beyond the ringing of the bell for class!

In 2001 after a long period of service in these different roles, Sr Alma was offered a sabbatical period.  She chose to join the Daughters of Jesus in Edmonton, Western Canada where she settled easily into a larger community, a different culture, with opportunities to pursue her interests, especially art.  On her return, Sr Alma was asked to be part of the Peterborough community where she enjoyed working in the garden and pursuing her art and craft hobbies.  Gradually her health deteriorated and she felt ready to join the Lourdes Care Home in Westgate-on-Sea.

She settled happily and delighted staff by sketching their portraits.  She enjoyed knitting, crochet, and caring for the little patch of garden she was given.  She was known for her patience and would sit untangling wool and then re-knit it into warm hats for seafarers.  Perhaps because of her many interests, Sr Alma was not known for her tidiness, but her many other gifts made up, and staff discreetly came to her rescue!  When the Lourdes care home closed in 2020, Sr Alma moved into St Michael’s along with other sisters.  She soon became the darling of the Viking Bay unit, taking a full part in the afternoon activities, and soon her room became the depository for any cuddly teddy bear, dog, or rabbit!  She liked to sing, and “Once in Royal David’s City” became her signature tune, irrespective of the time of year or any other song being sung …!

Alma was a kind, generous person, always willing to lend a hand and offer a service with a smile. She will surely be among those whom Jesus called “Blessed”:   the poor in spirit, the meek, the gentle.  We thank her for her presence with us.