03/11/2025
It is with a deep sense of sadness that we mark the passing of Sr Stanislaus Kennedy.
Stan, as she was affectionately known by all, was unlike any person we have ever had the privilege of working with.
As the founder of, and the constant driving force behind Focus Ireland, Stan was a tireless advocate for the marginalised.
She was a powerful champion for women, especially single mothers facing homelessness. And she was always the first and loudest voice drawing attention to the trauma that homelessness and poverty inflict upon children.
But what we will remember and treasure the most is the woman herself.
Through Focus Ireland, we have had the immense privilege of working with Stan on many occasions.
We considered her a friend. At least, Stan always made you feel that way.
There are some people in life who have a quality about them. A presence that seems to draw you into them. Stan had that.
There was a certainty about Stan. Beneath the soft voice and beguiling smile there was a bottomless strength.
Stan knew who she was. She knew what she believed. She knew what was true.
She knew that every human being deserves the same respect and decency, regardless of their circumstances, race, creed, origin, sexuality or age. She knew there was no reason or excuse or justification for homelessness, poverty or inequality. None.
Stan dedicated her life to put that truth into action. She never waivered.
She was always honest, sometimes angry and regularly frustrated by bureaucracy and inaction.
But she never lost her belief in the goodness of people.
Stan encouraged you to be the best version of yourself.
That's why she was able to speak truth to power so effectively. She inspired people to do and be more.
As we mourn her passing and celebrate her extraordinary life, the greatest tribute we could pay to her is to continue to strive to be the better versions of ourselves that she tried to inspire us to be.
In these angry times, we really need the clarity and vision of people like Stan to remind us of what is true. What is right. And what is good.
Sadly, with Stan’s passing, we have lost one of our guides. We’ll just have to work harder now to find our own way.