The local Catholic community is mourning the death of Marie Shevlin, a former Archdiocesan staff member and secretary to Archbishops Matthew Beovich, James Gleeson and Leonard Faulkner.
Marie was the only child of Ronnie and Ken who were most loving and caring parents. However, Marie experienced a wider family circle as she and her parents lived with Ronnie’s mother for some time until they built their own home in 1950.
She grew up in a family of much love and peace, plus a deep faith enriched by the family’s involvement in the Tranmere parish where they had a wide circle of friends. Marie enjoyed her own involvement in the parish over seven decades.
After leaving school Marie commenced work in the Catholic Church Office in June 1958 when it was headed by Archbishop Beovich.
This became her life-long working career as she went on to be secretary to Archbishops Gleeson and Faulkner until she retired from work in August 2000.
She developed a deep and lasting friendship with Archbishop Gleeson and remained loyal to him until his death in March 2000. Members of the wider Gleeson family have expressed their love, friendship and gratitude for the way Marie supported him.
Her retirement after 42 years of service enabled her to become full-time carer for her mother, with whom she shared a wonderful six years until her death in 2006. Her father Ken died in 1981.
Marie Shevlin, second from left, at pre-Christmas dinner drinks for the staff of Catholic Church offices. Also pictured from left: Patricia Lawson (The Southern Cross), Patricia Rabbitt (YCW), Colleen Clancey (Catholic Education), Kathryn Murphy (Newman Institute), Marie Alcock (Catholic Welfare), Theresa Drumm (Missions) and Miriam Tuncks (Catholic Welfare). Photo: The Southern Cross, December 1965, Archives and Records Services.
Marie was extremely committed to her work in the Church and this was rewarded when in 1975 Pope Paul VI granted Marie the papal honour ‘Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice’. This is the highest award given to women. There were many great privileges in those years working with Archbishop Beovich, Archbishop Gleeson, Bishop Kennedy and Archbishop Faulkner.
The friendships of so many bishops, priests and Religious was something Marie treasured greatly. Many of these endured beyond her retirement from the Church Office. Marie’s deep knowledge of Church affairs and her loyalty was much appreciated.
When Marie retired she received a very moving letter of thanks from Archbishop Faulkner. It read in part: ‘This letter comes from my heart echoing in some little way the thanks and love of Matthew, James, and Philip. I assure you of my love and prayers.’
In December 2004 Marie joined Australian Red Cross, following the example set by her mother. In 2014 she was awarded a 10-year service medal. The award recognised Marie as a much-valued member who was always prepared to participate in and support branch activities. It read: ‘Her quiet, subtle suggestions have always been appreciated and wisely spoken.’
No longer needing a large house Marie moved to the Coach House Mews under Southern Cross Care at Lourdes Valley. Here she was blessed with a beautiful friendship with her neighbour Annie Barry, who did so much to help her enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. Marie was one who always enjoyed a laugh, especially with Annie, even though it was often directed at herself, and some situation in which she became involved.
Dr John Walsh was also a helpful neighbour and her two cousins, John and Peter Larner, were a great support.
Marie was a very one-eyed supporter of Norwood and the Adelaide Crows and she took part in the Diocesan footy tips for many years – but didn’t do much good.
Despite living at the Mews, she remained faithful to the Tranmere parish where she continued to attend Mass. The Saturday evening Mass group became special to her.
Towards the end, Marie’s health gradually deteriorated leading to the occasional fall and trips to hospital. While in rehabilitation after her last fall, she contracted COVID resulting in her transfer to Flinders Hospital. Sadly she did not respond to treatment and died peacefully in her 84th year…a life well spent!
Vicar General Fr Dean Marin said Marie was a remarkable woman, dedicated to supporting the Archbishops of Adelaide.
“A fountain of knowledge, she was able to answer just about any question a priest might have. Her unwavering respect for the clergy underpinned her many years of service in the Archbishop’s Office,” he said.
“She will be remembered for her loyalty, her sense of humour and her deep faith.”
Taken from the eulogy by Mgr John Swann
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