Sr Celine died on 4th August. Her Requiem Mass took place at the Home of Compassion Chapel in Island Bay. Sister was born in Rotorua and a few years later her family moved to Gisborne to live.

Celine entered the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion in 1940, joining six other young and highly motivated women who journeyed through the noviciate program together thus making their Final Profession in 1946.

Sr Celine had special talents and gifts with young children, spending the early part of her religious life in early childhood education in two of our former places, the Buckle Street Creche and the schools at Jerusalem and Ranana on the Wanganui River.

The illness of multiple sclerosis was diagnosed in 1970 and for almost 50 years Sister battled with its symptoms and handicaps in an exemplary manner. For the past 26 years Celine had lived in Tauranga where she received special treatment for her illness and became involved in social service ministries.

Sister was well known to many people associated with St Vincent de Paul Society, Multiple Sclerosis Association and in the community where she lived. Many of her friends attended a special mass held in Tauranga prior to her funeral in Wellington.

The limitations of her illness she turned into positive achievements not for herself but for helping others. Her beaming smile and characteristic chuckle will be sadly missed.

Her steadfast determination and her vocation of compassionate concern for people was nourished by her love of the Eucharist and from the example of Suzanne Aubert who sought the poor and disadvantaged of society. We thank you Celine for being a faithful and loyal Sister of Compassion.

Go forth in peace into God’s everlasting kingdom and rest gently in His love.

Sr Veronica