Sister Rosalie Jane Kuklinski (Jane Frances)

Rosalie Jane was born in Inglewood, Taranaki, in 1929, the 8th child and 4th daughter of Michael and Florence (Dolly). She grew up on the family farm enjoying the freedom and creativity that a country life offered. She attended St Patrick’s Primary School and then Stratford High School. As a young woman she loved dancing and playing netball. Her spirituality grew as she was immersed in the creation around her, the farm and the mountain with the sun rising and setting on it. Jane knew God was speaking to her. When she left school, Jane took up a job in an accountant’s office where she worked for three years. She loved the accounting work which she would use later in her life. Jane’s training in shorthand typing and accounting meant that everything she did was always neat, tidy and consistent.

In 1948 at the age of 19 Jane moved to Christchurch to begin her training as a Sister. She entered the novitiate in January 1949 and was given the name Sr Mary Jane Frances which she continued to be known her by all her life.

Her many years of teaching included all levels of the primary and secondary school systems. Jane taught in schools across the Waikato, Taranaki and Opotiki, spanning 30 years of service to Catholic Education. There are thousands of past pupils whom Jane influenced during her life not to mention parents and parishioners. Jane also took on other leadership responsibilities over these years – Principal, House Bursar, Boarder’s Mistress – she saw all these as integral to the call of God as a Mission Sister.

Pupils taught by Jane had immaculate workbooks and beautiful handwriting. She taught systematically and at the same time with creativity and energy. She encouraged sport and other outdoor activities as well as creative writing and art classes with her pupils. Jane hoped to instil a love of lifelong learning in her pupils. She also shared her love of her God and her vocation. AMDG was a big feature – All for the Greater Glory of God – this was her motto.

In 1981 Jane began a renewal in England and Rome. Unfortunately, ill health intervened. While in London, she became seriously ill with a rare kidney disease. She was admitted to hospital, and not expected to live. Wergener’s disease was diagnosed and death was near. Jane later recounted how the Sisters in London prepared for her burial.

Jane’s already strong faith and trust in her God deepened during this time of suffering and recuperation, and so did her devotion to our Foundress, Euphrasie Barbier. A novena prayer was written and prayed for a cure for Jane.

More than a year later, Jane was able to return to New Zealand. She picked up her life and spent time working at the Bishop’s Office in Hamilton before she was called to be Province Bursar from 1984 – 87. Jane’s skills were critical at this time in our history as she merged the financial systems of our two former Provinces. The Auditor at the time expressed his appreciation for her precision and abilities.

After a renewal time in Australia and the completion of the Clinical Pastoral training, Jane began a role as Hospital Chaplain in New Plymouth Base Hospital and then as Chaplain and caregiver at Bishop Snedden Retirement Village in Waikanae.

In 2001, Jane moved to Petone and began working in the Province Archives and at the same time, working at the Catholic Enquiry Centre. Again, her attention to detail was a great asset. She prided herself in writing every reply to an enquirer as a personal message. This, she said, was helping God further her work of evangelisation.

It was during this time Jane discerned that she wanted to live outside of the institutional way of lif, and so began living on her own among neighbours. She assisted young students with their assignments and taught English to Vietnamese refugees. She loved entertaining and cooking for guests in her flat.

Poetry was a thread that wove through Jane’s life. This allowed her to express her love of life, of God and events. She revealed through her poems just how much she knew God loved her. She was able to publish a book of her poems just a few years ago.

In 2009 due to further health issues Jane asked to move to Mission Rest Home in New Plymouth where she joined the ‘Upstairs Community.’ In December 2014 Jane transferred to Atawhai Assisi Rest Home in Hamilton, where she became well known and loved.

Along with Tami her cat and her love for flowers, Jane appreciated every text message, every phone call and all the cards she received. Her delight and appreciation were shared with all who visited and her gratitude and faith in her God was unwavering.

Breathing difficulties and weakness meant Jane spent many long months in bed but she never lost her graciousness or sense of gratitude.

Jane died peacefully on Monday, 18 May 2020, towards the end of our Covid-19 lockdown time. Because of the restrictions on numbers who could gather, a small group of sisters and family members celebrated a farewell ritual for Jane on Wednesday, 20 May, after which Jane was cremated.

On Thursday, 25 June over 100 sisters, family and friends gathered in the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Hamilton for Jane’s requiem mass. Fr Jim Dooley, a long-time friend of Jane’s was the celebrant. He took two messages from the scriptures which Jane had chosen and he believed Jane wanted us to know. Firstly, that Jane knew she was deeply loved by God and so was able to love others deeply and secondly, that Jane had a deep belief in eternal life. Jane’s ashes were buried at the Newstead Cemetery among our sisters who are buried there.

An excerpt from one of her poems …..

“ And when into eternity this champion Rose he brings What joy to behold, what fragrance sweet…………………. ”

May she Rest in Peace.