Be remembered for continuing Sr Stan’s vision of hope for a kind, loving future…
Dear The Irish Catholic reader,
Take a moment to step back in time with me and reflect on Sr Stan’s life and legacy.
Sr Stan was born Treasa Kennedy on June 19, 1939, near Lios Póil on the Dingle Peninsula. She joined the Religious Sisters of Charity in 1958 after being inspired by the work of its founder, Mary Aikenhead, at the age of 18. It is no surprise that Sr Stan went on to lead a life of service dedicated to the poor, choosing to help people that are most vulnerable in society.
In the early 1980s, Sr Stan spent one year doing deep research with a group of eight young women who were experiencing homelessness. Stan lived with these women on the top floor of a building in Eustace Street, Temple Bar, and really got to know and understand their circumstances. Her pioneering research into hidden homelessness informed Stan’s tireless campaigning, challenging the status quo and bringing the topic of homelessness to the forefront of people’s minds and government agendas. Stan’s leadership was rooted in compassion and love. She never lost sight of the individual stories behind the statistics.
Truth
Stan was not afraid to speak the truth about homelessness – no matter how uncomfortable it made others feel. She advocated for people living in poverty and for people sleeping on the street. As she shared in 1987, “for some kids, a few thin sheets of timber and a couple of wet blankets are the only protection against wind and rain”. Sr Stan shone a light on the difficult reality for people experiencing homelessness, and in doing so, she helped to give them a voice.
The Focus Ireland Coffee Shop in Eustace Street still runs today, open 365 days a year for people that are experiencing homelessness, and are seeking advice and information. The Coffee Shop provides hot, nutritious, and good quality meals. It’s a welcoming space for people seeking respite from the cold streets. For someone who is struggling, a warm meal can offer comfort, dignity, and a moment of stability at a time when life may feel very uncertain.
Love was at the very core of her very being. That’s who she was. She was a person of utter, absolute devotion”
On Monday, November 3, 2025, Sr Stan passed away, aged 86. And ever since, the Focus Ireland community and beyond has been feeling her loss. Following the news of her passing, tributes have poured in from friends and supporters who admire her dedication towards helping others.
“Love was at the very core of her very being. That’s who she was. She was a person of utter, absolute devotion.”
Dr Mary McAleese
Former President
With her everlasting kindness and warrior spirit, Sr Stan has inspired generations with her vision of a more compassionate, fairer Ireland. She fought for people on the margins of society, with profound courage, and with empathy that knew no bounds.
“Sr Stan was our mother Teresa. Someone like her only comes every 100 years.”
Elizabeth,
Focus Ireland supporter
While Sr Stan’s loss is felt by all at Focus Ireland, her legacy lives on between the walls of every service, every life rebuilt, and every step taken towards preventing homelessness.
Legacy
40 years on, Focus Ireland’s doors are still open thanks to Stan’s courage to speak and act, and thanks to truly outstanding and kind-hearted people like you. It saddens me to write that the homelessness crisis continues, and that sadly, 5,274 children in Ireland today are without a home and are currently living in temporary emergency accommodation. I’m sure you agree with me that homelessness is wrong, that it steals a child’s sense of safety and stability, disrupts their friendships and takes away their peace.
But through a simple promise, you have the power to prevent more children from experiencing the trauma of homelessness into the future. Consider helping future generations of children to find a place to call home, with the simple promise of a gift to Focus Ireland in your Will. Gifts in Wills are a special way for yo
ur belief that no child should be homeless to live on and make a difference for years to come. A gift in your Will to Focus Ireland is a gift of joy, of peace, and of hope – a lasting and meaningful way to carry your compassion forward. Your generosity means children will have a place to create memories and achieve life’s important milestones. After taking care of your loved ones, consider supporting Sr Stan’s vision of an Ireland without homelessness.
“I visited the projects my donations were helping to fund. It made it very real; meeting the team that make it happen, seeing the benefits and real change that happens with our support. I wanted to do more, and I have pledged a donation in my Will.”
Elizabeth,
Focus Ireland supporter
Big or small, a gift in your Will can help shine a light in the darkest corners of homelessness”
Every year, Focus Ireland is fortunate to receive gifts in Wills from thoughtful people like you who care deeply about helping children in homelessness. A gift in your Will means that Focus Ireland can be there for people at risk of homelessness by providing advice and information services, and practical supports to help them get and keep their home.
Will you consider joining Sr Stan’s legacy of a compassionate Ireland where every child has a safe place to call home? Big or small, a gift in your Will can help shine a light in the darkest corners of homelessness. And your values of social justice and love for humanity will live on… long beyond your lifetime.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Assia
P.S. Thank you for taking a moment to read my words and remember Sr Stan’s legacy. If you would like to continue the work she started back in 1985 and support Focus Ireland with a gift in your Will, I invite you to reach me on 086 103 3130 or 01 881 5900, write to me at Focus Ireland, 9 – 12 High Street, Christchurch, Dublin 8, or simply return the reply form provided. I hope you’ll consider a gift in your Will to help prevent homelessness long into the future.
