Carol Anne’s understanding and compassionate attitude towards handicapped people developed early in her life. Prior to entering Carol Anne had completed her Community Nurse training at the Wellington Hospital. Afterwards she took the opportunity for overseas experience, spending time in England where she made contact with her father’s relatives. On return while continuing her nursing career she discerned her options for the future. In 1983 she was invited to join the Sisters for their centenary pilgrimage to the Maori Mission in Jerusalem. This experience greatly influenced her decision to enter the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion later that year. Following her two years of noviciate training Carol Anne made her religious profession in the Chapel at Island Bay.

For some years Sister nursed at the Home of Compassion Hospital and at the Aubert Home in Wanganui before being transferred to Chanel Home in Suva.

In Suva she enjoyed the life-style of mission life and the challenges it offered to living in a different culture.  Carol Anne responded to the call of return to New Zealand when her mother’s health was deteriorating. She generously divided her time attending to the family needs while at the same time maintained her nursing duties at St Joseph’s Home in Heretaunga. Tragically in 2004 Carol Anne was diagnosed with invasive Breast Cancer which necessitated urgent surgery and treatment. Her remission phase was unfortunately short. She courageously faced her illness with acceptance and bravely faced the consequences associated with it. The Marian Court community and the Cancer Society Staff devotedly nursed Carol Anne at home.

Her commitment and loyalty to her vocation as a Sister of Compassion meant everything to Carol Anne. Her gentle nature and kind consideration shown towards the Sisters and her friends were attributes that shone throughout Carol Anne’s life. In her own quiet way she observed situations and responded appropriately as circumstances required. Carol Anne touched many lives in significant ways. She died peacefully at Marian Court with the sisters and friends at her bedside.

Born                  Entered            Professed              Died                  Place of Death             Place of Burial

30.03.1959     11.02.1983       19.03.1986        31.08.2006              Wellington               Karori Cemetery