Not many people celebrate their 100th birthday and even fewer can celebrate it with good health and a clear mind, but such was the case when Sr Clare Conroy rsj achieved this milestone.
27 January 2025 was a special day for the extended Conroy family as it marked the 100th birthday of their much-loved Clare, sister, aunt and great aunt to successive generations.
It was also a great day for the Sisters of St Joseph of Lochinvar as they rejoiced that one of their own had reached such a significant milestone.
Even greater was Sr Clare’s ability to celebrate her amazing life with enthusiasm and gratitude for the blessings of the past one hundred years. Never one to dwell on life’s past difficulties, Sr Clare focused always on the gift of the present moment, leaving the future to her good God.
Clare was born in Glen Innes while the family was residing in Llangothlin and grew up with eight siblings, two of whom, Angela and Aileen were among the eighty-six people who gathered with Sr Clare at the Boolaroo Bowling Club on 2 February for a family celebration.
Not daunted by the size of the assembly, Sr Clare gave a speech, recalling precious memories while thanking all for their presence. Her great joy she said was that her birthday had been the reason for bringing together so many of her relatives. She delighted in seeing their excitement in meeting each other.
Her Josephite Sisters gathered at Mawson Court in Caves Beach where Clare is a resident on 28 January. There she delighted in receiving letters of congratulations.
These were from King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Governor General, the NSW Governor, the Prime Minister as well as the NSW Premier and local Members of Parliament. Bishop Michael Kennedy of the Maitland-Newcastle diocese also sent his blessing and good wishes.
While these all took the form of official greetings, they were accompanied with warm wishes and affirmation of the contribution she had made over the years to the life of her country and communities.
Congratulations Sr Clare!