Courage, determination and a tender heart
Obituaries
Sr Margaret Tully RSJ - Born August 17 1937; Died February 3 2026
Margaret was born into a loving family in Morgan, South Australia. The daughter of Francis and Jesse (Miller) Tully, she was the younger sister of Father Robert who died as a result of a tragic accident soon after his ordination and younger sister Barbara White of Kapunda.
In 1954 Margaret joined the Sisters of Saint Joseph and was finally professed in 1963 as Sister Andrew.
After completing her teacher training in North Sydney, she began her teaching life at St Peters, Norwood, Payneham and Motor Mission education at Woodville Park.
In 1972 Margaret undertook studies at Manly Seminary followed by a year at the National Pastoral Institute in Melbourne. The following years were spent working in the Croydon parish and five years on the Upper Northern Motor Mission.
After some months at Corpus Christi, Greenvale, a facility for homeless men, Margaret cared for the residential Ain Karim Community, a home for adults with disability, in Adelaide.
For 13 years Margaret worked tirelessly at Catherine House in the Adelaide CBD with women who were homeless. She helped to set up a new much-needed facility.
Her next ministry was school liaison to families in Port Lincoln. Margaret then engaged in pastoral care in Elizabeth Parish.
In recent years, with declining health, Margaret generously devoted two days each week to pastoral visitation at Calvary Flora and did so until her heart failed.
Margaret worked in a variety of ministries but did so with the same compassionate heart. Each person was important to her and with a listening ear and a tender heart she walked beside so many through the joys and the struggles of life.
Margaret was a rock on which people could depend, trust and find solace. Her courage and determination helped her to navigate her personal health issues. Her connection to family brought her life and joy, especially to significant events.
Her commitment as a Sister of Saint Joseph was unwavering. She gave her all in whatever she did and the needs of others were always paramount. Her life was accompanied by a great sense of humour, fun and storytelling.
In the last two years of her life, Margaret was devoted to her Saturday morning chair yoga classes. She attended with quiet courage and determination, embracing movement in whatever way her body allowed. Her perseverance, gentle presence and acceptance were an inspiration to all who shared that space with her.
Many will mourn the loss of a great woman who is now in God’s care.
