A gentle soul, now at peace
Obituaries
Sr Ann Marie Lessue RSJ | Born 2 January 1943 | Died 12 May 2026
When Sr Ann Marie Leesue was informed she was entering the final stage of her earthly journey, she met the news with the kind of grace for which she was known and loved.
Formerly known as Sister Mary Dorothy of the Blessed Trinity, Sr Ann Leesue was born in Peterborough, South Australia, on 2 January 1943. She was one of six children born to William George Leesue and Delia Lennard: Ann, Kathleen, Peter, Theresa, James, and Margaret. They were bonds she treasured with close and loving family, and those family ties only became stronger and more cherished over the years.
Ann worked in a variety of ministries, gently making her mark on the world. Forty years were spent in rural and city education in the roles of school principal, teacher and school liaison worker. Ann spent two years in Scotland where she worked in parish work, pastoral care, hospitality and supporting Josephite Associates.
A few months ago, after 16 years, Ann’s cancer returned and friends and family say she faced difficult treatment with great courage.
Despite every effort by her medical team, Ann graciously accepted the final prognosis.
She was a deep thinker who acted wisely, objectively and with astuteness. Sr Ann Leesue was also an independent person who never made demands on others.
She had strong connections, not only with family and Sisters but with colleagues, students and those she met on life’s journey.
Treasured memories of her experiences helped to ease her pain especially during long nights of her illness.
On her return from Scotland, Ann volunteered in the SA Museum and Regional Office Reception. She spent some months providing pastoral care to visitors in Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney.
She was always faithful to her commitments and kept working until only a few weeks before her admission to hospital and subsequently to Mary Potter Hospice where she was aware that she was in the next and final stage of her earthly journey. During this time, she expressed a desire to have space to be with her God.
On 12 May 2026, surrounded by her Sisters and family, Ann gently took her last breath and left this earthly life to be totally united with God whom she loved and served so faithfully.
