They lived with her mother’s two sisters within a Methodist environment in Henderson, Auckland. Jessie gained her Certificate of Proficiency at Henderson School in 1927 and afterwards entered the world of employment. A chance visit to St Patrick’s Cathedral in Auckland had a spiritual effect on Jessie who up to that point in her life was seeking God in various religions. This mystical encounter was a high point in her life and in 1939 she was Baptised and Confirmed into the Catholic Faith.
Supported by her family, Jessie entered the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion three years later. At reception into Noviciate, she received Fidelis as her Religious name. Profession followed two years later opening for her a rich and fulfilled life as a Sister of Compassion.
Her nursing training opened new doors of compassionate care and concern for the sick, the frail, and disabled persons. Her appointments to Carterton, Wanganui, Wagga Wagga, Auckland, Sussex St Relief Centre, and Island Bay gave her happy experiences and fond memories. Her gift of empathy and interacting with a cross-section of people became widespread during her time at the Soup Kitchen. In 1989, Sister received a City of Wellington Civic Award for her voluntary community service which was richly deserved and celebrated by the Sisters.
Sister’s faith continued to develop and deepen as the years went by. Her journey of seeking the God she loved and served was nourished through prayer and readiness in doing His will. The end products of her handcraft skills of crochet, knitting and tatting were readily passed on to others.
Celebrating her Diamond Jubilee with three of her Noviciate companions was a great joy for her. Declining ill health saw Fidelis being admitted into the Aubert Home of Compassion where she peacefully entered into life eternal with the God she loved and served so faithfully as a Sister of Compassion.
Born Entered Professed Died Place of Death Place of Burial
23.12.1912 29.01.1941 19.03.1944 26.08.2004 Wanganui Aramoho Cemetery
