Sister Enda Ryan, FMM, born as Eileen Philomena Ryan on December 30, 1928 in Galbally, County Limerick in Eire, Ireland, is best remembered as the founder of both the Assunta primary and secondary schools in Petaling Jaya.

She first showed her interest in being a nun at the tender age of seven.  In 1947, she joined the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary and subsequently adopted the name Sister Enda Ryan.  She graduated from the National University of Ireland in 1954.

In 1954, she came to Malaya to assist Sir Michael Hogan (the then Chief Justice of Malaya) to set up schools in the new villages which were built after World War II. 

Ten months later, she established Assunta Primary School.  She had to go from house to house to persuade parents to send their daughters to school.  Back then parents hid their daughters at home for fear of the Communists.

In 1957, Assunta Secondary School was ready for occupation and Sister Enda became the first principal of the school.  She composed the school song Assunta pupils sing till today. 

With her guidance and encouragement, LEO Club, Interact Club, Assunta Military Band, Girl Guides and Assunta Welfare Organization which later became Sister Enda Welfare Organization (SEWO) were formed. To date, needy Assunta school girls still receive aid from SEWO. All in all she served the school for 31 years.

In 1966, Sister Enda took the oath of loyalty and was henceforth declared a citizen of Malaysia.

For her years of dedicated service she received numerous awards, including the Excellent Service Award by the Ministry of Education (1985), the 'Pingat Jasa Cemerlang' (1986), the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (P.J.K.) from the Sultan of Selangor (1987) and the 'Anugerah Tokoh Guru Selangor' (1990).  She retired in June 1989.

Her retirement from the education service did not preclude her from taking a keen interest in the affairs of the school.  She still graces school occasions like Teacher's Day, Prize Giving Day, Assunta Spirit Week and Sports Day. 

Currently, she is the chairperson of the SM Assunta Board of Governors.

Sister Enda can be reached at enda@rayma.com.my