Sr Bernadette Fletcher
Shirley Fletcher was the beloved daughter of Christopher and Jean Fletcher, and much loved sister of Brian [RIP], Graham [RIP], Peter [RIP] and Gerard.
Like most of the women who entered the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions in Aotearoa, Bernadette’s journey as a Mission Sister began with her Novitiate in Christchurch in 1952 and making her first vows in 1955. Her first community was in Hamilton where she taught at St Mary’s, Te Rapa and Fairfield Catholic Schools. She enjoyed teaching at Panmure and Morrinsville in the late 1960’s. As well as teaching, Bernadette held community responsibilities such as Bursar.
In 1971, she travelled to Rome for a renewal course, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Upon her return, she spent the next 10 years as Principal in Catholic schools in Waikato and New Plymouth. Bernadette was a very dedicated and devoted educator to many hundreds of students throughout her 30 years of teaching ministry. As Principal, she managed building projects – administration blocks and classrooms among them. This necessitated strong and collaborative relationships with her Parent Teachers’ Associations. Being active in her mind with many creative ideas, she was never idle. She would conscientiously finish her work in the school and be involved in parish activities. First Communion and Confirmation classes were of particular interest to Bernadette, as well as many other Parish events. She was Pastoral Assistant in Ellerslie for 10 years, where for a time, she ran the Parish which was without a priest. She loved this time of Pastoral outreach.
Bernadette was meticulous and highly organized with any task she had in hand. Some would say she was a perfectionist. Her high energy and enthusiasm allowed her to visit families and the sick and the elderly in the parishes she worked and lived in. With the introduction of Integration, Bernadette’s commitment to Catholic Education was evident. She attended many meetings and seminars, to understand what maintaining Special Character of Catholic Schools would entail
Bernadette’s sense of humour and enjoyment of life is reflected in photos from her teaching days. She was up to the challenge of the Morrinsville staff to ride a pony around the grounds on Mission Day. In another photo, she is seen dressed up as a school-girl, with a wig of plaits, raising money for the Missions. She was often seen laughing and enjoying the people around her. Throughout her life, she was a very keen netball coach. Every school she was in, had an excellent netball team. Competition among the Mission schools was very intense at times. Sport played a big part in Bernadette’s life – being glued to sky sports whenever the Silver Ferns and All Blacks played and voicing her displeasure at the screen when players were making foolish mistakes!
Communication was very important to Bernadette. She mastered the email era and sent regular messages to those she had taught or been on staff with. She was thoughtful to her friends at significant moments of death or illness in their lives by sending cards and assuring them of her prayer.
Bernadette found her three-year teaching stint in Samoa in the late 80’s rather challenging but it provided her with the experience and impetus to train as an English as a 2nd language tutor, to teach migrants in Pukekohe. She thrived in this retirement ministry and was very caring and sensitive to her “new” families. Bernadette’s inner drive to enable parish life to flourish continued in her final years in Pukekohe where she and Sr M John Bosco welcomed parishioners into their home and provided groups like the Catholic Women’s League a warm gathering space.
Life in community was precious to Bernadette and she enjoyed the friendship of many Rndm Sisters. As her health declined and she needed more care this fiercely independent woman faced many frustrations especially when her legs began to let her down and she became less mobile. Her fidelity to her God was sorely tested as she gradually grew in a calm acceptance of being the recipient of the thoughtful care she had so often kindly given others. Her last years were spent at Mary MacKillop Care, and Mercy Parklands Hospital. She found her physical diminishment very challenging. After suffering a stroke, Bernadette passed away on 27 July, 2022.
Bernadette, Thank you for your life among us. May you now know eternal peace in the presence of your God.