Sister MARY CELINE DEANE

The homestead, where Mary Celine and her siblings grew up, was situated on the family farm in Totara Valley, a district in Thames. It sat on a stretch of land, with a beautiful view overlooking the Firth of Thames.
M Celine’s father, Augustine Ambrose, died when she was not quite six years old and her mother, Sarah Salisbury, raised their five sons and three daughters, of whom M Celine was the youngest. Those early years were tough times but for M Celine and her family, they were very happy years. Mary Celine loved her mother dearly and spoke of her often as having great vision, much wisdom and resilience.
She missed, though, growing up without her father and said in her latter years that she was looking forward to eventually seeing him again.
M Celine attended St Francis Primary School, Thames. Then, for her Secondary Education, boarded at Sacred Heart College, Hamilton. During these years she made many friends among the boarders and day students – friendships which became life-long. She also came to know our Sisters and was greatly influenced by their lives and ministry. In her growing appreciation and love of these Sisters and their care, she desired to join them and so entered our Novitiate on 9th March 1948.
Joy and happiness were part of M Celine’s personality thoughout her life, accompanying her through Novitiate times, shared within her subsequent communities, and were very evident in her teaching ministry and with all whom she shared. Her happy disposition, love, respect for, and generous acceptance of others were much appreciated by the many treasured friends she gained throughout her life.
Mary Celine enjoyed her teaching ministry, which extended through all levels of Primary Education, including responsibilities as Principal. She taught in many schools throughout Auckland, Taranaki, and Waikato areas. The last school, one she had previously taught and was Principal in, being St Joseph’s School in Opotiki where, again, she was Teaching Principal. She was a proficient and dedicated educationalist and that, imbued with her joy in life, caring, compassionate, and cheerful manner, made her a very effective as well as much appreciated teacher. Her influence spread beyond the schools to parents of the students, parishioners, as well as in her contribution to Parish Life. In Parish Liturgies, her generosity was much appreciated with her assistance in choir and music.
After retiring from teaching in 1985, Mary Celine embarked on a new direction in mission work. In preparation, she participated in renewal courses, one of which was a six month Course at Baulkhan Hills, followed by a Thirty Day Retreat in Pymble, both of which were in Australia. She also spent some time in Panmure where she undertook preparation for International Mission.
Then in July 1992, M Celine was missioned to Saskatchewan in Regina, Canada where she worked as a Parish Pastoral Carer until the end of 2000. During these years, she connected with many families, developing a caring and loving rapport with them, supporting many parishioners, who in turn greatly appreciated her ministry among them. Another source of delight, was in visiting and coming to know our Sisters in Canada. She loved the many facets of their ministry and enjoyed their friendships, friendships which endured over subsequent years.
In December of the year 2000, Mary Celine returned to Opotiki and began ministry in Pastoral Outreach there, which included her much loved St Joseph’s Primary School.
During these years, the opportunity of returning to Canada came with her attending the “Forum of 5” which also blessed her with the opportunity of re-uniting with Sisters and friends during the three months she was there.
On returning to Opotiki, she resumed her ministry of Pastoral Outreach which gradually became more curtailed as her health deteriorated. Despite her health condition, M Celine continued her keen interest in the lives of others. Friends were extremely generous in assisting wherever needed. When Dorothy Dickson returned to New Zealand and began living in Opotiki, her nursing skills, thoughtful care, and gentle humour, enabled M Celine to remain living comfortably in their Convent home. Frequent visits from friends who cared deeply for M Celine, along with loving family and parishioners continued. Fr Richard Pipe celebrated Mass at M Celine’s bedside in the last few days when she could no longer go to their Chapel.
Mary Celine died very peacefully on Thursday 5th October 2023. At her bedside were Annette Arundel, loved niece; Kay Gregan, faithful friend; Srs Cynthia Kearney visiting from Gisborne; and Dorothy Dickson, who had cared so lovingly and respectfully for M Celine.
Rest in the fullness of God’s Love, dear Mary Celine.