It is with deep sadness that the Holy Childhood Sisters have to report on the passing of Sr. Birgitt Loch on June 17th.
She was a beloved member of Eshowe Convent, always seen out and about in the gardens, in the laundry and driving her red VW doing shopping and chores in Eshowe town. She left her mother convent in Oberzell, Germany, to come to South Africa in May 1971. Her passion was the work with children, and together with Sr. Carina she shaped and developed the pre-primary section of Holy Childhood School; many of the facilities still utilised today were introduced, and maintained, by her. In 1975, she became principal of the Pre-Primary, running this facility with complete devotion, efficiency and love until her retirement in 2012.
Sr. Birgitt played the organ in church for most of her time at the Convent. Very recently she made the decision to return to this service, but now sadly the organ stands silent once more. Those who knew Sr. Birgitt can testify to her incredible will and strength of character. She truly had a never say die attitude and if told that something couldn’t be done would prove it wrong by simply doing it herself. Sr. Birgitt was never idle, and she never let ill health incapacitate her. Behind her tough exterior hid a heart of pure gold and a wonderful sense of humour.
Sr. Birgitt was an integral part of the Servants of the Holy Childhood of Jesus for 63 years. Sadly, she did not fulfill her dream of returning to Germany to see her family in July 2022. By the grace of God she died peacefully at the age of 83, with her devoted companion Sr. Liboria by her side. Sr. Birgitt will live on through the many lives she touched and in the hearts of everyone who knew her.
Will be missed by her fellow sisters: Sr. Birgitt Loch
A group photo of the sisters in Eshowe Convent with Sr. Birgitt on the right