2006 - Sister M. Gabriel O'Mahony
Drs Thomas Mok1, Loretta Yam2, PC Wong 3
1. Chairman of the Hong Kong Thoracic Society
2. Chairman of the Hong Kong Lung Foundation
3. Chairman of the Amercian College of Chest Physicians (HK & Macau Chapter)
The late Sister Mary Gabriel, MBE, FRCP, was a senior physician at the Ruttonjee Sanatorium from 1950 to 1988, and, together with Sister Mary Aquinas (Medical Superintendent at the Ruttonjee Sanatorium from 1950 to 1985), contributed tremendously to the control, medical care and research of tuberculosis in Hong Kong in those difficult years. From 1988 onwards, Sister Gabriel dedicated herself to the Society for the Promotion of Hospice Care as well as the Bradbury Hospice which was opened in 1992. In recognition of her significant contribution to chest medicine and the Society since its establishment, Sister Gabriel was conferred the first Life Honorary Membership of HKTS at the 5th Council Meeting (1990 to 1991) on 29 November 1990.
Sister Gabriel passed away peacefully at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin, Ireland on 25 August 2006. Her unparalleled contribution to respiratory service in Hong Kong will always be remembered.
This is the condolence message that the Hong Kong Thoracic Society, American College of Chest Physicians (Hong Kong and Macau Chapter) and Hong Kong Lung Foundation has sent to the Columban Sisters:
Letter to Sr. Greaney dated August 30, 2006
Dear Sr. Greaney,
The respiratory community of Hong Kong is extremely saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of Sister Gabriel who was a pioneer tuberculosis worker and contributed tremendously to the control, medical care and research of the disease which was rampant in Hong Kong in 50s to 70s. Her generosity and dedication went a long way to relieve the sufferings of these poor patients.
Sr. Gabriel was the founding Council member of Hong Kong Thoracic Society when it was established in 1986. To honor her contribution she was awarded honorary life membership of the Society in 1991. Her support and kindness to the Society is overwhelming: we received Sr. Gabriel’s congratulatory message for the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Thoracic Society just weeks ago, a time when she must have been ill.
We shall all miss Sr. Gabriel dearly. Her warm personality and great contributions will always be remembered. We shall continue her mission of giving the best care to patients with tuberculosis, other respiratory diseases, and cancers. Our most sincere condolences go to members and friends of her bereaved family and Columban Sisters and we pray to give them the courage and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
Hong Kong Lung Foundation
Hong Kong Thoracic Society
American College of Chest Physicians (Hong Kong & Macau Chapter)
The Memorial Mass for Sr. Gabriel was held in the Wah Yan College Chapel on September 29, 2006. It was a solemn event to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Sister Gabriel. Representatives from the three chest societies, i.e. the Hong Kong Thoracic Society, American College of Chest Physicians (Hong Kong & Macau Chapter) and the Hong Kong Lung Foundation attended the mass.
