Profiled in August 2005

My early life was spent on a farm just out of Feilding in the Manawatu region, the eldest of eight. We had a great life – the usual fun and hard work of a large family. I attended the Sisters of St Joseph Primary School, then went on to a small Mercy Sisters' Secondary School in Palmerston North. After three years there I had a year at home, and the following year I began work at the Department of Agriculture Seed Testing Station in Palmerston. I really enjoyed the work and company there, as it tied in with my love of plants.

After about 18 months there, I chose to enter the Sisters of St Joseph Novitiate in Wanganui. Even then teaching was beckoning – possibly a result of being surrounded by younger children most of my life! Part of our new beginning in religious life was taking a new name, and I chose Marie Therese. I kept that name until in 1974 I reverted to my Baptismal name, much to my parents' delight. I gained my Teaching Certificate and began my teaching ministry in the local Wanganui schools.

From the outset I loved teaching and being with primary aged children. I moved to schools all round the lower North Island, and was principal of several. Many of the schools were small, and there was a strong correlation between parish and school life, which led to a strong community base. They were times of growth in our schools – more lay staff members, new religious curricula, and the move towards integration with the state system. There were the challenges and fun of extra- curricular activities, such as camps, gymnastics, music festivals, calf days, fancy dress balls. But central to all was the joy that came with helping to open up a new world for a child, or seeing a pupil discover and develop a strength or talent.

In the late 80's I was asked to be part of the administration work of the Sisters and moved back to Wanganui where I have remained since. As well as this new ministry within the Sisters' community, I was able to do some counsellor training, and be involved with local Budget Advice and Christian Social Services. I became involved in the early stages of our work for the aged in Nazareth Rest Home, and have now been on the staff there as a chaplain for several years. In this time I have been blessed in coming into contact with many gracious and wise elderly people, and their families.

Looking back on my life so far, I can only be grateful for the many people who have crossed my path or walked part of the journey with me.