Sr M Louis Gallagher

Died 14 May 1984

Born Rita Gallagher at Krambach, August 25, 1904 Sr Mary Louis was the daughter of Lawrence Gallagher and Sarah Moy. There were thirteen children in the family - eight girls, five of whom became religious, three entering St. Joseph's Convent, Lochinvar and two at St. Joseph's Convent, Goulburn. Rita was educated at St. Joseph's Convent, Goulburn where she was a boarder for some years.

On January 23, 1922 she entered St_. Joseph's Convent, Lochinvar, taking the name in religion as Sister Mary Louis of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Sister M. Louis was professed on July 7, 1924, and following her profession on 3 July 1924, she began her apostolate of teaching and over the years taught in the schools at Abermain, Cessnock, Charlestown, Wauchope, Merriwa, Kurri Kurri, Gloucester, Newcastle, Cardiff, Windale, Wingham and Lochinvar

Sister Mary Louis came from a family of very deep faith and this was reflected throughout her whole religious life in her prayerfulness, her devotion to the Mass, and her love of the Mother of God, particularly under the title she had chosen, as Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. She was known for her cheerfulness; her wit and humour brightened the many communities she lived in_.

Eventually ill-health forced her to give up her work in the school, and for the last eight years of her life Sister was cared for in the Nursing Home at Lochinvar. She became progressively crippled with arthritis, and in her last years was confined to a wheel chair.

On 14 May 1984 Sister Mary Louis died quietly and peacefully at 8.00am with the Sisters including her own sister, Sister Mary Mel around her.