Marie O'CONNELL Obituary

Sincere sympathy to Maria's relatives. I remember Clare from school in Timaru most of all. Also, sympathy to all the Sisters of Mercy, Nga Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa, who knew Maria well. She had a genuine care of the poor in Otautahi Christchurch and supported movements working to have Te Tititi o Waitangi understood correctly and recognised as the Foundation Document of this country. Maria was a faithful friend to me and I appreciate her Facebook Messenger messages to me in recent years.

Dear Family, I remember Sister with so much fondness, a Runanga teenager in A pupil at St Mary's school in Greymouth. with the same name Marie O"Connell much to my friends delight to call my name when sister was working on the blackboard. Just to see sister swing around, We had some good remenberable teachers and sister was one of the best. May she rest in peace. Marie Grgic nee Marie O"Connell.

Sr. Maria taught me at St. Mary's College, Christchurch, in the 1960s. Of all the sisters who taught me, she is the one I remember most fondly. Contrary to popular belief, teenage girls could be quite challenging 50 or so years ago, but Sr. Maria handled us with patience and good humor. She was earnest in her efforts to educate us and prepare us for the world ahead. I'm most grateful for the orientation toward social justice that she engendered in us. By chance, I had the opportunity to visit her with a classmate a short time ago. I hadn't seen her in over 50 years, but she remembered us and shared stories and laughter. It was a wonderful opportunity to thank her for the positive influence she has had on my life. She brightened when I told her I had attended the recent hikoi. Her life since teaching us had been one of service to the poor and vulnerable, truly living the teachings of Christ. She is an example of a life well lived.