Sr M Paschal Bruton

Died 26 April 1996

Mary Catherine Bruton was born in Cumnock on September 1, 1900. Her father was Abel Bruton and her mother was Mary Tierney who died giving birth to her. Her father was unable to cope with the death of his wife so the new-born babe was given into the care of an aunt and a cousin on her mother's side.

Mary Catherine entered the convent on 19 June 1919 and was given the name Sister Mary Paschal. Her first appointment was to Krambach to be followed by Port Macquarie in the Lismore Diocese, Aberdeen, Cessnock (St Patrick’s), Carrington, Merriwa, Swansea, Cundletown, The Junction, Wingham, Edgeworth, Shortland, Summer Hill (Sydney Archdiocese), Bulahdelah, Gloucester, Windale and Swansea.

Sister Mary Paschal’s life was dedicated towards showing kindness to others. She was a much-loved member of community, being a peacemaker, a reliever of tensions and one to bring a touch of fun. She was indeed proof "that good people could suffer every kind of loss and still retain the capacity for love and laughter." (Alexandra Ripley: Scarlett) She was renowned for her gentleness, generosity, courage, simple goodness, a wonderful sense of humour and her “green fingers” as she was a splendid gardener.

Sister Mary Paschal was not one to go through life having regrets, but one big regret she had was missing an opportunity to meet Mother Mary MacKillop. When she was eight she was taught by the Brown Josephites and had the chance to join a school group on a visit to Mount Street. The young Mary Bruton elected not to go. She thought if she went visiting a convent, they might want to keep her there.

Sister Mary Paschal died in St Joseph’s Nursing Home in Lochinvar on 26 April, 1996 aged ninety-six.

Taken from the Words of Remembrance given by Gordon Bruton.

Mary Catherine Bruton was born in Cumnock on September 1, 1900. Her father was Abel Bruton and her mother was Mary Tierney who died giving birth to her. Her father was unable to cope with the death of his wife so the new-born babe was given into the care of an aunt and a cousin on her mother's side.

Mary Catherine entered the convent on 19 June 1919 and was given the name Sister Mary Paschal. Her first appointment was to Krambach to be followed by Port Macquarie in the Lismore Diocese, Aberdeen, Cessnock (St Patrick’s), Carrington, Merriwa, Swansea, Cundletown, The Junction, Wingham, Edgeworth, Shortland, Summer Hill (Sydney Archdiocese), Bulahdelah, Gloucester, Windale and Swansea.

Sister Mary Paschal’s life was dedicated towards showing kindness to others. She was a much-loved member of community, being a peacemaker, a reliever of tensions and one to bring a touch of fun. She was indeed proof "that good people could suffer every kind of loss and still retain the capacity for love and laughter." (Alexandra Ripley: Scarlett) She was renowned for her gentleness, generosity, courage, simple goodness, a wonderful sense of humour and her “green fingers” as she was a splendid gardener.

Sister Mary Paschal was not one to go through life having regrets, but one big regret she had was missing an opportunity to meet Mother Mary MacKillop. When she was eight she was taught by the Brown Josephites and had the chance to join a school group on a visit to Mount Street. The young Mary Bruton elected not to go. She thought if she went visiting a convent, they might want to keep her there.

Sister Mary Paschal died in St Joseph’s Nursing Home in Lochinvar on 26 April, 1996 aged ninety-six.

Taken from the Words of Remembrance given by Gordon Bruton.