Sr Marie’s warm sense of God
Obituaries
Sr Marie Victory rsj - Born: February 26 1943 | Died: May 28 2022
Marie Kathleen was born in Peterborough to Timothy and Annie Victory. She was the ninth of 11 children. Marie had deep affection for her parents and each of her siblings: Don, Jack, Frank, Margaret, Gerry, Lawrie, Ann, Tom, Pat and Vin.
Marie had a great heart and so a capacity to rejoice in life and in all that brought joy or wellbeing to each member of her family and friends. She had a kind empathy for family especially in difficult times.
Marie grew up in Peterborough when it was a thriving railway town. She attended St Joseph’s School. Marie’s early years in family and school planted in her a warm sense of God, an ‘at homeness’ in her Church/faith community and a capacity to really celebrate the sacred in life. She had a great respect for the priesthood and enjoyed their shared friendship. These aspects coloured all her future ministry as a Josephite.
Marie entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph on February 2 1960 and was professed as Sr Marie Phillip on January 6 1963 after which she trained as a teacher in North Sydney.
When in 1964 Marie returned to SA there began a generous and creative commitment to teaching. Marie loved little children and wanted the best for each one. She worked in city and rural schools as a teacher or principal or both together.
Marie had a great appreciation of beautiful things which adorned her home or were lovingly given to others. Thoughtful little gifts were always ready at Christmas and birthdays for the little children. Always beautiful gifts.
Marie had two years’ study leave which she spent in areas of great interest, ‘Children’s language and way of speaking’ and ‘Catechesis and Liturgy’. During her study leave she also achieved her Master of Education in Administration.
To her delight in 1999 she was appointed to Hectorville as parish Religious Education coordinator and pastoral associate. In parish ministry, she shared a special gift of compassion with families suffering bereavement and helped families farewell their loved one. Many families were recipients of meals in times of distress.
Marie also shared their celebrations. Her home was always open to welcome anyone and many cups of tea accompanied conversations. Marie appreciated the goodness and support that she herself received from others. Friends and friendship meant a great deal to her.
Marie brought generosity and enthusiasm to her ministry, all the more admirable because for much of the time she was battling various health issues.
After 14 years Marie concluded her ministry at Hectorville but still remained connected to the people.
Marie’s health continued to deteriorate. Her endurance in sickness was inspirational. Her final days were spent at Calvary Flora McDonald Retirement Community.
May Marie now enjoy the beauty of her heavenly home as she rests in the arms of her loving God.
Jump to next article
Comments
Show comments Hide comments