Sister Theresa Parish (Florence Mary)

Though not of a robust constitution Theresa confounded us all by almost reaching her 102nd birthday! She was born in Perth, West Australia, the eldest of two daughters of Florence and Frederick Parish, both originally from England. Named Florence after her Mother, she formed a strong, life-long bond with her sister Phyllis who was born four years after her.

At an early age Florence began her education at Sacred Heart, Highgate where she was a boarder for 10 years. It was during those years that the seeds of her vocation to religious life were planted and nurtured by the dedicated and caring presence of the Sisters.

In May 1932 Florence entered the novitiate at Highgate. At her reception of the Holy Habit six months later she received the name of St Theresa of Lisieux. Throughout her long life her love and devotion to St Therese was a source of strength and inspiration to her and to others with whom she shared it.

After her First Profession Theresa studied for her Bachelor of Arts at the University of WA. Then began her long and fruitful mission as a teacher. One of her early appointments was for a 9 year period to Charlton, country Victoria. She then returned to Sacred Heart, Highgate where she spent a further 9 years forming a strong and enduring bond with the students she taught during that time. Following these two experiences the remainder of her teaching life, more than 30 years, was spent in Sacred Heart College, Oakleigh as teacher, principal and librarian. Understandably, Sacred Heart College, Oakleigh was the great love of her life as she had been part of its growth from its early years of foundation.

Theresa was a devoted and conscientious teacher, firm and fair, fostering a spirit of care and consideration of others. In her role as Principal she made a significant contribution to the development of the College, in varied ways nurturing within the students a sound faith development and the achievement of academic excellence. She exuded a gentle wisdom and a compassionate heart that embraced students, staff and families and endeared her to them.
When she finished as Principal in her 60th year, she went to Canberra to study for a Graduate Diploma in Librarianship and then returned to Oakleigh as principal librarian. As well as extending and developing the library resources Theresa set about establishing an active Past Students Association and worked with the committee for 15 years, confirming her friendship with students from all stages of the College’s development, supporting and encouraging them in their professional and family lives. During this time she was also wholeheartedly involved in the Mt Eliza Parish where she was living.

Another highlight of Theresa’s life during the 80s was the opportunity of following a Spiritual Renewal Course in Rome and Lyon. Not only was it a time of deepening her faith, enriching her spiritual life and appreciating more profoundly our congregation’s story, it opened up for her new and expansive cultural horizons through the bonds formed with our Sisters across the Congregation. She was also able to make connections with her family’s roots in England which meant a lot to her.

Even when she officially retired and moved to Mont Albert in 1997 and then to St Catherine’s in 2008 Theresa kept in touch with many of her former pupils and friends through letter writing, telephone calls and special visits to Sacred Heart Oakleigh, all of which gave her much joy.

Her increasing deafness over her latter years made communicating difficult at times, but her quiet yet impish sense of humour was still able to break through and create moments of connection.

In February this year an infection weakened her already fragile body and finally on the 28th February she breathed her last.

Her Requiem Mass was appropriately celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Oakleigh. The College choir led the singing and a part of the eulogy was given by the present College Principal, Mr Chris Dalton who spoke of Theresa’s long and valued contribution to the College. Many past students and friends joined the gathered RNDM community.

We thank God for Theresa’s strong yet gentle and compassionate presence and her faithful witness to her RNDM calling over so many years. May she now rest in peace