Annie’s many and varied abilities were noted in the Parish Jubilee magazine of 1974 where it emphasized her ability in recalling people’s names. Before entering the Home of Compassion in September, 1923, Annie had passed her General Nursing Training at the Wellington Hospital. Following this she became a Registered Midwife at the Wairau Maternity Home in Blenheim.

Mother Aubert must have been very happy to welcome Annie into the Congregation, as at that time she was negotiating with the Health Authorities to establish a Nurses’ Training Hospital at Island Bay.  Annie was to become a very faithful follower of Suzanne Aubert.

On entering the Novitiate Annie received her Religious name of Sister Mary de Lourdes. Her Religious Profession took place in March 1926, and three years later, following her Final Profession she was appointed Matron of the Home of Compassion Hospital, a position she held for twelve years. Sister de Lourdes did remarkable work in upgrading the standard of care received in the Hospital.  It received the status of a Registered Training Hospital in 1932 which had been a great desire of Mother Aubert. Having the Hospital registered as an A grade training hospital enabled future Sisters to complete their nursing training under the tuition of the Sisters within the environment of the Home.

For several years Sister de Lourdes had a variety of leadership roles, at Jerusalem, then at the Crèche in Buckle Street and at the Loreto Home of Compassion in Wagga Wagga, returning to New Zealand in 1957. During her time at St. Joseph’s Home in Silverstream she acted as Infirmarian to the students at St. Patrick’s College.

Sister’s life was a very full and active one, and she made numerous friends and acquaintances throughout her life.   She was always deeply interested in people and never forgot anyone she met.   When she died on 22 July, 1974, she was in the 77th year of her age, and the 49th of her Religious Profession.

Born                    Entered                Professed               Died               Place of Death            Place of Burial

17.02.1898        23.09.1923          19.03.1926         22.07.1974            Island Bay                Karori Cemetery