Penang mourns passing of Sister Aidan, longest-serving Convent Green Lane principal
The 97-year-old died in her hometown in Ireland.
The Announcement of her death was made at Irish death announcement website rip.ie.
It said: "Sr Aidan died very peacefully in the tender and loving care of the staff at Nazareth House, Mallow on Sunday.
"Deeply regretted by her sisters Mary O'Leary and the late Chrissie, Joan and brother Willie, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, great-grandnephews, the Infant Jesus Sisters, Mallow, her community in Penang, Malaysia where she spent 58 years and where she is much loved and appreciated by her numerous past pupils and friends."
A requiem mass will be held at 11am on Tuesday, prior to her burial at Drishane Cemetery, Millstreet.
Fitzgerald came to Convent Light Street in 1954 and, uncharacteristically, taught Science to the girls for many years before she was transferred to Convent Green Lane (CGL).
She was the longest serving principal of CGL, retiring in 1988.
She was the last of three nuns from the Infant Jesus Sisters (IJS) religious order to helm CGL.
Graduated from National University of Ireland in 1954, Fitzgerald came to Malaya and became a Malaysian citizen in 1966.
Many people have taken to social media to remember Fitzgerald's contributions in Penang.
Rin Cheang thanked Fitzgerald for her services to the local community, especially for Penang island.
"Many benefitted through education, including our daughter.
"RIP Sister Aidan for a job well done. May your soul rest in eternal peace."
Yen Ling Chen said Fitzgerald lived a purposeful life serving society in teaching many generations of students.
"Well remembered as one of the nuns who dared to challenge traditional norms for what is practical and more efficient in school and at home," she said.
Shanta Dass remembered Fitzgerald as "one of the few who made an impact in my young life".
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