Sr M Raphael Williams

Died 10 July 1943

 

Mary Williams was born in Port Macquarie on 29 September 1874 to Michael Williams, a grazier and Brigid Maher. She entered the Sisters of St Joseph at Lochinvar on 3 October 1892 taking the name of Sister Mary Raphael of the Holy Angels. She was professed on 10 June 1895. After profession she ministered in Lochinvar, Dungog, Brookfield, Carrington, Aberdeen, Glendonbrook, Merriwa, Burwood, Krambach, Cessnock, Cundletown, Wingen, Largs, West Wallsend and Kurri Kurri. She suffered from ill health and died from a heart attack aged sixty-eight years.

Lochinvar Magazine of 1943 reports Sr Mary Raphael's death thus:-

"A hidden and very holy life ended when Sr Mary Raphael Williams passed away on 10th July of this year at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. She had been ailing for some years, a patient sufferer, so that her passing was not unexpected. She had laboured in every Branch House of the Diocese and so leaves memories in many places where prayers will be offered for one who is described as never having uttered an uncharitable word. She leaves behind her own sister, Sister Mary Berchmans at present living in Largs. R.I.P."

The Lochinvar Diary entry for 10/7/43 reads as follows:-

"Sister Mary Raphael (Williams) died at 5 o'clock p.m. on Saturday 10th July, 1943 at the Mater Hospital, Waratah. The remains were brought to Lochinvar on Sunday morning at 10.30a.m. The solemn Office and Requiem were held on Monday morning at 10 o'clock. His Lordship, Most Reverend Dr Gleeson CSSR presided. Sister Mary Berchmans and several relatives were present at the obsequies. May her soul rest in peace"