Dymphna

Hilma Dymphna Clark (née Lodewyckx; 1916 – 2000), known as Dymphna Clark, was an Australian linguist and educator. She was married to the historian Manning Clark.

Dymphna is the name of the "eccentric aunt" in the book by Noel Streatfield published as 'The Magic Summer' or 'The Growing Summer'. The children in the story go to stay with Dymphna in her drafty house in rural Ireland, and come to know her strength, superstition, asceticism, self-reliance and live-and-let-live mentality. Dymphna often answers in poetry/verse and spends a great deal of time outside. She expects the children to do much for themselves, and does not "baby" them as they experienced at home -- at first this makes them hate her, but they come to appreciate her and do some growing up. I loved this book as a child -- it, and Aunt Dymphna, were deliciously strange to me. Her name added to her appeal. I am so pleased to know that 'Dymphna' has Irish roots, and knowing that St. Dymphna is the patron saint of the mentally ill etc is an interesting decoration to her character.

Dymphna Cusack, Australian novelist.

The Saint Dymphna also has patronage over incest, sexually abused children, rape, nervous disorders, neurological disorders, epilepsy, family happiness, mental health caregivers, possessed people, princesses, sleepwalking, loss of parents, martyrs, all mental illnesses, depression, runaways, mental hospitals and so many more.

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I have to say that her life seemed quite tragic, though she seemed very strong.