After completing her education, Ngaio moved to Auckland where prior to her entering the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion, she was a Nurse Aid at the Mercy Sisters’ Mater Hospital, Mt Eden. Following a period of seven months as a Postulant, Ngaio received the Habit and her Religious name of Francis. After two years of Noviciate, Sister Francis was Professed and sealed her commitment to live the life and challenges of a Sister of Compassion.

Sister Francis entered the active ministries of the Congregation as a fully qualified State Registered Nurse in 1950. Her first assignment was the Loreto Home Aged Care facility in Wagga Wagga. Returning to New Zealand three years later, Francis spent time at St Joseph’s Home, Heretaunga, before being transferred to St Vincent’s Home, Auckland. She dedicated many years there, excelling in the care of the babies before joining the Community at St Raphael’s Home, Carterton, where she cared for babies and young children with multiple special needs.

Sister Francis was devoted to her family who were very important to her. She took a keen interest in the activities of each generation who in turn treasured her acts of kindness, given in gentle and thoughtful ways. Her spare time was given willingly to the Carterton parish, mainly visiting the disadvantaged.  Her gentle personality and spiritual empathy shined through her.  We give thanks to God for the life and vocation of Sister Francis and for her inspiring example of caring for Christ’s poor, afflicted and disadvantaged.

She died peacefully at St Joseph’s Home of Compassion. May Our Compassionate Mother Mary ensure eternal life for her.

Born                   Entered             Professed               Died            Place of Death             Place of Burial

15.03.1920     15.08.1944          19.03.1947        13.08.2001         Wellington              Karori Cemetery