The founder and headmistress of Assunta all-girls schools in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Datin Paduka Sister Enda Ryan, has passed away at the age of 96. Affectionately known as Sister Enda, she passed away at 11am on Sunday (April 7).
Sister Elizabeth Tan of the FMM sisters announced the news in an email, expressing that it was with a heavy heart that she shared the news of Sister Enda’s passing.
Sister Enda’s commitment to service and benevolence through education and charitable works began in 1955 when she arrived in Malaya. Throughout her life, she made significant contributions, from advocating for women’s education to supporting the growth of Ave Maria Clinic, which eventually evolved into Assunta Hospital.
Over her 31 years of dedicated service, Sister Enda received numerous accolades, including the Excellent Service Award from the Ministry of Education in 1985, the Pingat Jasa Cemerlang in 1986, the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK) from DYMM Sultan of Selangor in 1987, and the Anugerah Tokoh Guru Selangor in 1990.
In 2022, Taylor’s University bestowed upon her an honorary doctorate in humanities to recognize her contributions.
Originally born as Eileen Philomena Ryan on Dec 30, 1928, in Galbally, Ireland, she joined the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in 1947 and came to Malaya in 1954 at the request of Sir Michael Hogan to establish schools for girls affected by the Communist insurgency.
She became a Malaysian citizen in October 1966, solidifying her commitment to the country.
Assunta girls schools have nurtured some of Malaysia’s most prominent women, including former Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Aziz, Nurul Izzah Anwar, Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, and model Kavita Kaur.
