By Reporter Staff

The Sunday mass Nov. 23 was a special one at St. Mary-on-the-Lake in Bellevue. Rev. Gary Morelli and John Keane, the honorary consul of Ireland, were there to honor Sister Rose Donohoe as she celebrated her 100th birthday.

As Morelli honored her at the beginning of prayer, Sister Donohoe’s eyes lit up and the audience responded with applause. It was a day of family, friends and special guests, all there to acknowledge the native of Aughavas, County Leitrim, Ireland, who now lives at the Bellevue peace and spirituality center that also is home to the Western Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace and the residence for many nuns.

At noon, a dinner of Shepherd’s Pie, salad and ice cream — Sister Donohoe’s choices — was served. A reception, from 2-4 p.m., included around 50 guests. Sister Eileen Keane wrote words for “happy birthday to you,” accompanied by Sister Ida Mary. All in the room joined in the song, to the delight of Sister Donohoe.

The conversation in the room had an Irish brogue as her nephew, Donal Gormley and his wife, Sheila, came from Ireland. A niece, Therese Donohoe Michels, came with her husband, Paul, and their family. Friends who live here, but knew Sister Donohoe’s family in Ireland, shared stories from former days there.

Also present were some students of Sister Donohoe and people from Visitation parish in Tacoma, where she ministered for many years.

As she was born in Ireland, Sister Donohoe receives The Centenarian’s Bounty, a national award made by Irish President Michael D. Higgins to Irish-born people when they reach 100 years of age. A letter of congratulations signed by the Irish president accompanies the award, which also includes a check from the president totaling about $3,200.

Keane, the honorary consul, noted that each year Sister Donohoe will receive another gift from the president to honor her majority age. And, on her 101st and every subsequent birthday, she also will receive a special commemorative coin in a presentation box, along with another congratulatory letter signed by the president.