25/9/1921-13/3/2024 Peer Year 1938
Moira was a deeply proud alumni of St Ann’s College, who attended from 1935 to 1937 as a boarder, and marked the fourth consecutive generation of her family to enrol. She was an excellent student, and particularly liked learning Latin at school.
Moira remained dedicated to the College beyond her years at the school, and was an active member of the St Ann’s Parents and Friends Committee during her own girls’ time at school, then continued as a volunteer with the busy St Ann’s End of an Era Committee that pulled together all the projects to celebrate the passing of the mantle from St Ann’s to Emmanuel College.
Her community spirit didn’t end at the school gate. She also served on many local committees, including various groups and services for both St Joseph’s Parish and further afield with the Ballarat Diocese, the Red Cross, the Warrnambool Eisteddfod, the RSPCA and Meals on Wheels.
In more recent years, as one of our eldest known alumni, Moira was always a treasured guest at our St Ann’s Day events. The Emmanuel College and broader alumni community will miss her greatly.
We offer our prayerful support to her daughters, Patricia, Clare and families.
30/5/1928-17/2/2024 Past staff
Sr M de Chantal is remembered as a small but mighty woman whose service with the Sisters of Mercy spanned 63 years.
Growing up in Brunswick, she joined the Sisters later in life, at age 30. Despite her city upbringing, much of her ministry was spent in Victorian regional areas, such as Bendigo, Shepparton, Camperdown, Queenscliff, Geelong, and of course, her time in Warrnambool.
While at St Ann’s College (1974-1979), she was a Form IV (Year 10) teacher, but also spent time as Vice Principal and Convent Superior. She is remembered for her skill as an educator and pastoral carer, and as someone who was passionate for a cause.
Before becoming a Sister of Mercy, she worked for over ten years as a bookkeeper with manufacturing businesses in Brunswick. She was also very active as member of various committees and devotional groups connected to the parish of St Ambrose.
Sr M de Chanta‘s boundless energy and cheerful demeanor endeared her to all. Whether she was chauffeuring her fellow Sisters, engaging in spirited games of tennis, or fulfilling her duties as a beloved staff member, she approached every task with enthusiasm and joy.
30/6/1942-15/11/2023
A state funeral service was held for former Labor politician Gerard Hand in Melbourne late last year, before finally being laid to rest in his hometown of Warrnambool.
Alumni will remember that Gerry was elected the Federal Member for Melbourne in 1983, serving in ministries under both the Hawke and Keating Labor Governments. During the time his portfolios included Aboriginal Affairs, Immigration, Local Government and Ethnic Affairs, and assisted the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs. He retired in 1993.
Gerry’s family, particularly his sisters, Annette, Bernadette, Margaret Mary and Carmel remain in our prayers.
