Focus Ireland Founder Sister Stanislaus Kennedy (Sr Stan) has sadly passed away aged 86 years
The Religious Sisters of Charity are deeply saddened to announce the death of Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, known to so many across Ireland simply as ‘Sister Stan’, who passed away peacefully this Monday morning at St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown, Dublin.
A lifelong advocate for social justice, equality and compassion, Sister Stan devoted more than six decades to improving the lives of people experiencing homelessness, poverty and exclusion. Her remarkable legacy includes the founding of Focus Ireland, one of Ireland’s leading homelessness organisations, and several other initiatives that continue to have a profound impact on Irish society.
A powerful and fearless voice for change, she dedicated her life to service, compassion and justice, and her tireless work inspired hope in those most in need. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the congregation. While there will be expressions of deep sadness across the country, it is hoped that her extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire future generations of activists and social innovators.
Born Treasa Kennedy on June 19th, 1939, near Lispole on the Dingle Peninsula, in Co Kerry, Sister Stan was one of five children in a farming family. Deeply influenced by her rural upbringing and her parents’ sense of community and care for others, she entered the Religious Sisters of Charity in 1958, inspired by the life and mission of the order’s founder, Mary Aikenhead. She was professed in January 1960 and went on to dedicate her entire life to helping others.
In the years that followed, Sister Stan became one of Ireland’s most respected and influential advocates for social change. Her vision and determination led to the establishment of ‘Focus Point’, later Focus Ireland, in 1985, an organisation founded to respond to the growing crisis of homelessness. Under her leadership, Focus Ireland grew, from a small advice and support service, to a national organisation providing housing, advocacy and a voice for people without homes.
Her commitment to inclusion extended far beyond homelessness. She played a leading role in supporting new communities in Ireland, co-founding the Sanctuary in Dublin, a spiritual centre for mindfulness and wellbeing and contributing to the development of a range of initiatives addressing loneliness, mental health and social cohesion.
Throughout her life, Sister Stan challenged policymakers and institutions to confront inequality and injustice. She was never afraid to speak truth to power and believed that real change required both compassion and courage. Her advocacy influenced social policy, helped shape public attitudes, and encouraged a deeper national conversation about homelessness and human dignity.
Sister Stan received numerous awards and honours for her work, including honorary doctorates and civic recognitions, but she always regarded these tributes as belonging to the people and communities she served.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
In ár gcroíthe go deo.
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