Elizabeth Rendell RIP

Elizabeth Rendall

Former nun and Justice & Peace activist Elizabeth Rendall has died at the age of 87 after suffering with cancer over recent months.

A former Ursuline nun, Ms Rendall was taught at St Angela's school in Forest Gate, east London. She joined the Ursulines at the age of 18, going on to teach at in a number of Ursuline schools, including Ilford. She was also head of the Ursuline school in Wimbledon for six years.

Upon leaving the Ursulines after 40 years, Ms Rendall went to work for CAFOD for 10 years from 1984 working with the education department, particularly on the Renewing the Earth campaign. The environment was her passion, leading to work with Christian Ecology Link and Operation Noah, She was a member of the executive of the National Justice and Peace Network and on the environment group.

At diocesan level, Ms Rendall was a member of the Brentwood Justice and Peace Commission and on the ethical investment group. Locally, she was also involved in the Peace and Justice in East London group campaigning for peace and supporting the families of those being detained without trial over a number of years in this country.
Environmental writer Ellen Teague described Ms Rendall as "an inspiration."

"She was prophetic on the area of God's creation. Her work for CAFOD Christian Ecology Link and Operation Noah was invaluable. The research work conducted was thorough and crucial to the work," said Mrs Teague, who also testified to the support that Ms Rendall provided to events like the annual NJPN conference and the annual service on climate change. "

Former director of CAFOD Julian Filochowski said: "The 'Sister Elizabeth' I knew was a real delight and a precious justice-seeking companion over three decades. I will remember her as a vivacious servant of God who literally exuded compassion. Courageous but self-effacing she was a prophetic woman of platinum integrity, an authentic witness to the challenging gospel of Jesus Christ in these anxious ecclesial times. "

The funeral will take place at 11am on 1 December 2011 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Wanstead, Cambridge Park, E11