Support our Appeal
Our Stories
All stories-
Sister James Straka
Elsie Josephine Straka was born at Wainui, North Auckland, on 23 December, 1906, but spent most of her early life in Puhoi. Her parents were John and Rosa Margaret Straka (nee Plescher). Her father had a farm in Puhoi...
-
Sister Anne O’Rourke
Ellen O’Rourke was born at Coroughalla, Cork, Ireland on 18 November, 1858, the daughter of Timothy and Ellen O’Rourke (nee McSweeny). Ellen O’Rourke came to New Zealand in 1879 with her sister Bridget...
-
Sister Cleophas Riordan
Eily Norah Riordan was born at Lyttleton on the 15 April, 1895, the eldest of four – two sisters and a brother. Her parents were Thomas and Mary Riordan (nee Long). Shortly after Eily’s birth the family moved to Christchurch where she often recalled happy memories of walking the Cashmere Hills and family musical evenings around the piano...