Eileen made her religious profession in September 1958 and received her religious name Camillus previously at her reception in September 1956.
Prior to entering the convent Sister Camillus was a state registered nurse. Her OE (overseas experience) took her to Fiji for a year where she was employed at the Tamavua Hospital in Suva. This is where she was able to see the work of the Sisters of Compassion first hand. She was there in Suva for the opening of the Chanel Home of Compassion in 1954. After that she became a frequent visitor. . When she returned home to Blenheim, it wasn’t long before she packed her bag and crossed Cook Strait with her mother, her brother John and her sister Mary, to enter the Sisters of Compassion. Her cousin, Sister Sebastian, was among the sisters who welcomed her.
Once professed Sister Camillus went to St Vincent’s Home in Auckland and completed her midwifery training. Sister Camillus applied her skills well as a Sister of Compassion. She lived in Auckland, both in Kelmarna Ave and Maryland Street, Carterton, Island Bay, Flaxmere, Heretanga, Whanganui, Marian Court, and lastly St Joseph’s Home of Compassion. She was the superior and later coordinator in many of these communities and Homes.
In Flaxmere the people loved her and still ask after her. She listened to people and helped where she could. Sister, along with the St Vincent de Paul, set up a shop in the Flaxmere Village. This shop still has her name on the glass door. It reads Sister Camillus Op Shop.
Sister Camillus cared about and loved young people and many know this. She loved her family and took a great interest in her nieces and nephews as they grew up. They have lost a very special friend, sister and aunty. However we know that Eileen, Sister Camillus, in the fullness of eternal life will still be praying for us all. Sister died peacefully on the 30 November 2016. May she rest in peace.
Birth Entered Professed Died Place of Death Place of Burial
20.04.1928 1956 15.09.1958 30.11.16 Silverstream Karori Cemetery
