Sister Colm Hanley was born in Longford, Ireland in1921.

She came to Sierra Leone in 1947. She was a founding member of St. Joseph’s Convent, Serabu in 1948. She served in the Primary School and Boarding until the Hospital and School was handed over to the Holy Rosary Sisters in 1954. She then served as a teacher in Bonthe, Moyamba and Freetown.

In 1962 Sr. Colm was appointed Superior of the new foundation in Magburaka Convent.

She planned and watched every stone of the new Convent being built from the first residence where the Sisters lived, a small mud-brick house on the road to the Convent, then to the large Convent and Boarding Home, with the Primary School. She was very instrumental and determined that St Joseph’s Vocational Centre was opened. Her love for the poor and disabled is still appreciated and remembered. “She was my Mother” is often the words used by the women in Magburaka.

She had to leave Magburaka in 1996 due to the rebel war and retired to Ireland. Sadly she had a stroke and she needed care. She prayed constantly for the beloved people in Magburaka.

Recognition of her service to the local Church was recognized when Bishop Biguzzi went personally to present the Benemerenti Medal to her. She was so happy about this honour and attention. Despite her lack of speech in latter years, her excitement when the sisters visited from West Africa mentioned by name some of the people who so faithfully continued to develop and carried forward her love for the Church, the parishoners and the poor in the Magburaka Parish.

May God give her eternal rest.