The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Botswana are mourning the death of Dr. Brighid Malone, a longtime physician, friend and trusted companion to the Sisters and many others throughout the country.
Dr. Malone died Aug. 19 in Mumbai, India, where she had traveled for medical treatment. Her death came only days after she shared with friends and colleagues that she hoped to return soon to Botswana.
Originally from Ireland, Dr. Malone worked in Botswana for 40 years. For the past 16 years, she served as the physician for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
“Dr. Malone was a compassionate and deeply caring person,” said Sister Nalini Meachariyil. “The whole country will miss Dr. Malone, especially the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.”
A family physician, Dr. Malone worked for 16 years at Bokamoso Private Hospital in Gaborone, where she was still serving at the time of her death. Sister Nalini recalled that during the COVID pandemic, Dr. Malone continued caring for patients who came to the hospital.
Her care also extended to Pabalelong Hospice. “Whenever the Hospice needed a doctor, Dr. Malone was very generous in responding to our needs,” Sister Nalini said. Each Christmas, Dr. Malone sent gifts for hospice staff and patients, and this year she also helped raise funds for the hospice.
Her impact reached far beyond the Sisters. Dr. Malone worked closely with Journey of Hope Botswana, an organization supporting people affected by breast cancer. According to the organization, nearly all of the patients it referred during the past 11 years had been seen by Dr. Malone.
She had planned to return in time to participate in the organization’s annual breast cancer awareness and screening initiative with the Bokamoso Private Hospital team.
Sister Nalini said Dr. Malone brought energy and enthusiasm to many efforts across Botswana. She was active with Journey of Hope, the Botswana Diabetic Council, Botswana HIV/AIDS Council, Botswana Health Professional Council and St. Patrick’s Society.
Before traveling to India, Dr. Malone created a WhatsApp group where she kept friends, patients and colleagues informed about her treatment and experiences. Through those messages, she remained connected with the many people whose lives had become closely linked with hers.
Journey of Hope Botswana remembered her for her compassion, warmth, humor and generosity, and for the many years she spent caring for others.
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth join Dr. Malone’s family, friends, colleagues and patients in remembering her life and the relationships she built during her decades in Botswana.
Journey of Hope Botswana also shared a video remembering Dr. Malone. Watch the tribute on Facebook here.