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.