Mary Aidan Donaldson

Mary Aidan Donaldson (born Aug. 20, 1908) - is an unvalidated Irish-American supercentenarian.

Biography

Sister Mary Aidan Donaldson was born in Newry County Down, Northern Ireland on August 20, 1908. Sister Mary Aidan at the age of 19 departed her homeland and the father who had raised her after the early death of her mother. In February 1927, she arrived in Mobile and began her education ministry that September which lasted some 50 years. At that time Sister Mary Aidan transitioned into pastoral ministry, caring for those who were sick and shut-in.

One of her most astounding achievements was the new vocation she embraced at the age of 89 when she announced her retirement from active ministry. Sister Aidan took up water-color painting under the tutelage of a former eighth grade student and on her 95th birthday had an exhibit of her floral work, entitled “Praising God’s Beauty”, selling 20 of them.

As noted in the homily, Sister Mary Aidan is a “spirit-filled woman who lived through a century of extraordinary changes in the church, religious life, and a new technological world. And she was a woman before her times in many ways: strong-willed, fiercely independent, self-directed, competent, and future oriented.” And not much has changed, even now these traits are ever exhibited today, as she is an avid reader of the newspaper, religious publications, all Mercy works and actively participates in Community prayer and activities most days.

Since she arrived at the Retirement Residence in 1988, Sister Mary Aidan was labelled as the “official greeter and hospitality lady” for the Community. And even today, most visitors to the Community are greeted by Sister Mary Aidan who sits poised in the Convent living room.

The motto engraved in her profession ring, My Jesus, all for thee, continues to guide and direct her every action.