“All for Jesus through Mary.”
Sister Mary died peacefully in Christchurch Hospital on 19 November 2023.
Mary was born in Wellington in November 1930, the eldest of four children. Mary attended nine schools in different parts of New Zealand, (both Catholic and State) due to her father’s situation during the Depression and World War II.
When Mary graduated from school, she gained a bursary and studied Arts at Canterbury University. She also began part time work as a Nurse Aide at Calvary Hospital. Mary had always wanted to be a nurse and while working at Calvary, she began to experience an inner sense to being called to join the Little Company of Mary (LCM). She entered the LCM Novitiate in Sydney in 1949 and was finally professed in 1955.
Mary was a Registered Nurse and Midwife, a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and she graduated with a New Zealand diploma in nursing education. She nursed in Australia and New Zealand LCM Hospitals, was a nursing tutor for young Sisters in Wellington and worked in mission development with staff at Calvary Hospital.
Mary was awarded the Queen Service Medal 2016 for her involvement at Mary Potter Hospice, Wellington, both with staff and as a Board member for many years. She was also on the Committee of Hospice New Zealand.
Mary suffered a number of serious illnesses during her life, but always bounced back with new energy and determination. Her love of writing continued. She wrote many reflections over the years. Some are included in her book, “Mission of Love.”
Mary lived our LCM charism daily. She was close to Mary the Mother of God and to our founder, Mary Potter, whom she wrote and spoke about often. She was drawn to walk beside and befriend the lonely and those with other health needs. Mary loved living and ministering in the Nazareth community and being able to attend daily Mass in the Chapel.
Our gratitude to all who cared for Mary. Her mission of love has ended. May she rest in peace.
Edited text of funeral eulogy by Sr Helena Kearns LCM