TWO Masses of Remembrance are to be held in Musselburgh for Sister Bernadette Noble, who was affectionately known locally as “the wee nun”.

Sister Bernadette died peacefully in her nineties on March 12 at the Sisters of St Paul’s Convent and Care Home in Birmingham.

She served St Anne’s Convent and Care Home in Windsor Gardens, Musselburgh, for 11 years, during which time she endeared herself to residents, relatives and staff.

She was a familiar sight walking along the streets of Musselburgh and Portobello, as many of the nuns have done over the last 100 years since they arrived at St Anne’s to establish a rest home.

Born in Burton-on-Trent, she joined the Sisters of Charity of St Paul the Apostle and taught in its schools in South Africa for more than 30 years.

On her return to England, she worked in parishes in Shropshire, Lancashire and London before moving to St Anne’s.

She spent every spare minute knitting teddy bears, hats, scarves and gloves for children in Romanian schools and for St Anne’s summer fayre to raise funds for the residents’ outings.

Two years ago, due to failing health, Sister Bernadette retired to the convent and care home in Birmingham.

A spokesperson for St Anne’s said: “The sisters wish to thank all the wonderful people in Musselburgh and Portobello who helped Sister Bernadette in her works of charity. She endeared herself to all she met by her gentle smile and kind greetings.

“Also a huge thanks to all the bus drivers who made sure she returned home safely, especially in the wet and windy weather, and for whom she had a great respect and appreciation.”

The first Mass of Remembrance will be held at the chapel at St Anne’s this Sunday at 10.15am. Entrance by Ashgrove. The second takes place at Our Lady of Loretto Church on Newbigging, Musselburgh, at 9.15am on Wednesday. Everyone is invited to attend.