Personal records are scant about Mary and the years leading up to her entrance into the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion. She was baptised by Fr Finnerty SM and confirmed by Archbishop O’Shea in St Joseph’s Church, Wellington.

In 1931, on the Feast of the Presentation, she received the name of Teresa and commenced her Noviciate training. Following her Profession, Sister Teresa, with three other Sisters, began her State Nursing Training and graduated in 1937.

It would seem that Sister had many health problems, and despite repeated medical investigations, they failed to diagnosis advanced tuberculosis.  A short resume of her life says, “Teresa was a reserved person, she was clever, had many handcraft skills, and a dry sense of wit which was often misunderstood by her friends. She had a generous heart and ready to help others. Her sufferings were long and intense.”        

Her untimely death after many months of hidden suffering came to an end with family and Sisters praying at her bedside. Her Requiem was held in the Chapel at Island Bay Home. It has been noted that on route to the Karori Cemetery, the cortege passed a group of Territorials who stopped and saluted as the procession passed by; this has been described as a beautiful farewell tribute to a courageous Sister of Compassion.

May she rest in peace.

Born                  Entered            Professed              Died                  Place of Death             Place of Burial

04.09.1908    06.05.1931        15.09.1933        03.09.1940             Wellington               Karori Cemetery