An amazing lady
Monday, 25 July 2005
On 31st July, Sister Ruth Oakley retires from a lifetime of service to our community.
Sister Ruth was born in PN. Her family were amongst the first settlers and her father, Frederick William Oakley, was a leading city solicitor who was not only well-known for his public service, but, like her, received a Papal Award for his services to the community.
She entered the order of the Sisters of Mercy in 1943, became a teacher, started St James School in Hokowhitu as foundation Principal in 1958, was Deputy Principal of Our Lady of Lourdes School and Coordinator of the Mercy Convent in Pascal Street.
Sister Ruth retired from teaching in 1982 after 43 years service and a year later was appointed to St Mary’s Catholic Parish as Parish Assistant - which role she has been in for the past 22 years.
She also established:
Awhina Caring and Sharing
This organization initiated:
1. The cutting, sewing and crochet of garments for the city’s needy.
2. The weekly distribution of food donated by the parishioners to families in unfortunate circumstances.
3. A monthly meeting of seniors, from the Parish and rest homes for an afternoon of cards and entertainment, outings and picnics.
4. Mothers and Pre-school group.
Her work also involved baby sitting, hospital visiting, home visits to elderly who have failing health, and comforting families in grief. A supporter of Barnardos, IHC, Leprosy, and the Foundation for the Blind, Sister Ruth acted as a collector on street appeals and worked distributing Meals on Wheels.
Her work centered on the people of the Papaioea Ward and City wide, eg. food parcels are delivered as far out as Riverdale and Ashhurst.
On Sunday, there will be a service at St Mary’s in Ruahine Street, at which Sister Ruth will be thanked for her service to the Parish and wider community. Sister Ruth says she doesn’t like a fuss being made, so I will end here by simply saying, “thank you” and wishing her all the very best in her retirement.
