Thank you Sr Mary

Sr Mary has been a dedicated member of the Sisters of Mercy community for over 70 years. Her commitment to pastoral care in the health, community and education sectors in our community has been legendary. For over forty years she worked in the mental health area at Bloomfield Hospital and was a leader in the Bloomfield Hospital Auxiliary.

Sr Mary was a founding member of Orange Push for Palliative, and in 2020 she was made a life member of our organisation in recognition of her selfless, compassionate service to improving palliative care in Orange & district.

 Sr Mary was part of the Ministers Fraternal who offered pastoral care to patients and families at the hospital over many years.

 She always ensured that we, and the Hospital kept faith and compassion as an important component of palliative care for those who wished spiritual support.

On 21st January 2026 our local MP Phil Donato presented residents of Orange, Parkes and districts with Community Recognition Statements that he read in NSW Parliament over the year in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their communities. The CRS’s then become a Hansard record. Sr Mary was unable to get to Orange for her award so we, OP4P, and the Bloomfield Hospital Auxiliary and Phil Donato travelled to Bathurst on 22nd January to celebrate her achievements.

Sr Mary who was vital member of both the Auxiliary and a life member of OP4P was largely responsible for a very significant donation to our fundraising by the Bloomfield Auxiliary.

Pictured are Sr Mary, Phil Donato, Tania and Luke O’Donahue & Harry Smith from the Auxiliary, Sr Jo and from OP4P Jenny Hazelton, Mary-Rose Moses, Margaret West and Janice Harris.