I was attending a conference on vocation fostering in Dublin on Friday, August  31, when I noticed a message on my telephone.

I checked it, to discover that it came from Kay Aboud in San Fernando informing me that Juliette Wihby had died. A feeling of loss and sadness came upon me. I am privileged to have known Juliette for thirty years.

I was aware of her illness but somehow I never expected to hear of her passing to her eternal reward. Jesus said “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10)

Juliette Wihby could have said the same about herself. She brought her special blend of enthusiasm, generosity and compassion to all that she did.

Her exuberant temperament enabled her to relate well with people and to promote many of the good causes that she espoused. She was gifted in anything that had to do with hospitality – welcoming, cooking, decorating – whatever made people feel at home.

Above all, Juliette was a woman of faith. She was deeply committed to Christ and to the Church. I think of her as one who bridged the gap between faith and life in her own special way.

Juliette Wihby at Trasna 2000

She was young at heart, and always interested in involving young people in the Church. Her generosity of spirit brought out the best in them.

Juliette was a loyal supporter of the Presentation Brothers since she was a student at St Joseph’s Convent in San Fernando in the 1960s, when Brother Jerome Kelly was Principal of Presentation College, San Fernando.

When Brother Patrick Fitzgibbon formed the first group of Presentation Associates in San Fernando in 1990, he invited Juliette since she had been associated with the community for years. She has been an enthusiastic Associate ever since. The Presentation Brothers owe a huge debt of gratitude to this magnanimous woman.

She was in Rome for the Beatification of Edmund Rice in 1996. Juliette promoted devotion to Blessed Edmund Rice through visiting schools and sharing the story of Edmund Rice with the many groups that she enlivened.

She put her trust in the intercession of Blessed Edmund Rice during her own illness and was eventually able to accept that her condition would not improve. She never lost her dynamic spirit and she died peacefully.

She died on the tenth anniversary of the death of Princess Diana. Mother Teresa died around the same time ten years ago. I have no difficulty in associating Juliette with either or both of these women who made their contribution to humanity.

Juliette had a heart of gold and she was equally at home with the poorest people who slept on the pavements as she was with Archbishops and Prime Ministers. She made her contribution to society and did it with flair and distinction. 

Before I left the conference on the evening I heard the news of Juliette’s death, I met a Christian Brother and a Presentation Sister who knew her.

We went to the chapel and prayed for her. It is what Juliette would do. I sympathise with all the members of her family and her extended family. Many people will miss her.

May God grant her eternal rest and peace.