KUALA LUMPUR – Several prominent individuals have paid tribute to Datin Paduka Sister Enda Ryan, the founder of Assunta primary and secondary schools in Petaling Jaya, following her death this morning.
This comes after Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) regional councillor Sister Elizabeth Tan confirmed Enda’s peaceful departure at the age of 96.
“In faith, I am consoled that she is now in the loving and merciful embrace of her creator, God, with today being Divine Mercy Sunday.
“May Sister Enda now join with all the FMM saints in singing the mercy of God,” she said.
Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur Father Clarence Devadass extended his condolences to the sisters of FMM of Malaysia and Singapore, acknowledging Enda’s remarkable dedication to education, particularly for girls.
“Her dedication to service in the field of education, especially for girls, not only inspired many but also gave opportunities to the needy who otherwise would not have had access to education,” he said.
The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Klang has shared its heartfelt condolences to the FMM community over her passing.
“May her soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
Keith Narcis, a Kuala Lumpur Catholic Museum member, described Enda as an “icon”.
“It is with sadness we announce the demise of a ‘saint’ in our community. Sister Enda was an icon of sorts in the development of the church in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
Communication Consultant Dawn Morais Webster also shared her condolence message by saying that Enda has been an inspiration to Assunta alumni.
“Her example and expectations set so many of us on the road to our careers and shaped our life choices.
“Grateful for all the visits made on our trips back to Malaysia. She will live forever in our hearts. We owe her a great deal,” she said.
Malaysian education trailblazer
Born Eileen Philomena Ryan in Ireland on December 30, 1928, Enda joined FMM in 1947, to dedicate her life to religious service.
Enda earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Higher Diploma in Education from the National University of Ireland in 1954.
That same year, responding to a request by former chief justice of Malaya Sir Michael Hogan, she arrived in Malaya to establish schools for girls affected by the Malayan Emergency.
By late 1957, Enda had completed the primary syllabus for older girls, enabling them to sit for secondary school entry exams.
In the following year, she founded Assunta Secondary School and served as its inaugural headmistress.
Enda’s contributions were also recognised at the national level.
She was honoured with numerous awards, including the Anugerah Tokoh Guru Selangor (1990), the Pingat Jasa Cemerlang (1986), and the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK) from DYMM Sultan of Selangor (1987).
In December 2007, she was conferred the title “Datin Paduka,” or Darjah Kebesaran Dato’ Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, by the Sultan of Selangor.
In an announcement on Facebook, the Assunta alumni said the wake and visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 9, from 2pm to 10pm, followed by another session on Wednesday, April 10, from 10am to 10pm.
The venue for these gatherings is the Church of St Ignatius, located at 2, Jalan SS 25/23, Taman Plaza, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The evening will be punctuated with prayers starting around 8pm.
The funeral mass is scheduled for Thursday, April 11 at 10am, to be held at the Church of St Francis Xavier, situated at 135, Jalan Gasing, Section 10, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Following the mass, the final rites will be conducted at the MBPJ Crematorium in Kg Tunku, PJ, where Enda’s remains will be cremated.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that all donations be directed towards the FMM Sisters, an organisation close to her heart. Contributions can be made through the Persatuan Alumni Sekolah Menengah Assunta. – April 7, 2024