The rich legacy and faith-filled-life of 91-year-old Noreen Keoghan, a guiding light of the Catholic Women’s League, was celebrated at an uplifting funeral at Holy Innocents in Croydon last week, surrounded by her extended family of two daughters, seven grandchildren and eight great grand-children.
Recognised for her lifelong work for the Catholic Church and the Holy See, Noreen was named a Papal Dame of the Order of St Gregory the Great in 2000.
A Life Member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) and long-term member of CWL Sydney Council, it was a source of comfort for her family that she spent her final moments doing what she loved most; cruising the high seas, a testament to her adventurous spirit.
“Mum’s faith was integral to her being, the rosary was a part of her everyday life,” said her daughter, Jennifer.
“She was an enthusiastic fundraiser organising fetes, fashion parades, luncheons and raffles. Mum always knew the mother of someone who was in the entertainment industry, and it is reported she had a knack of engaging their services for free,” she said.
Fr Paul Roberts from Greystanes had known her since he was a child and oversaw the funeral service.
“I’ll always remember Noreen’s ‘incarnational spirituality’; a faith with flesh on it, that displayed the embracing nature of what ‘Catholic’ is about,” Fr Paul said.
Dr Maureen Cleary, from the Catholic Women’s League and a life-long friend of 60 years, said that Noreen was a woman of faith and graciousness.
“Her greatest gift was always moving into gear when she saw a need providing a practical response. The world will miss this dedicated fun-filled and loving woman,” she added.
Noreen was the Chairperson of the Board of Management at Marian Court, a Catholic retirement village which served over 50 residents with supported independent living with a strong sense of Catholic identity.
This was a position she held until the sale of the property. Noreen’s care and concern for all the residents was paramount to her role.
“Over several decades she supported and guided Marian Court, helping it grow and change to meet the needs of residents, all of whom she regarded as friends. Her grace and presence helped make Marian Court the welcoming village it is today. She will be deeply missed,” said Anthony Watts, manager of Marion Court between 2020 and 2024.
Noreen and her husband Fred were great supporters of The Catholic Weekly through the success of their business, Giraffe Removals in Summer Hill.
Her spirit will remain a guiding light for her family and friends, inspiring them to uphold the values she cherished throughout her life.
In concluding the funeral, Fr Paul told her bereaved loved ones; “I am quite confident, God proclaimed to Noreen on the day of her funeral something like. ‘Well done, Noreen, good and faithful servant. Come and truly live in joy, the wholeness of life prepared for you’.”