Eulogy For Anne - by Sister Margaret Shakeshaft
The following reflection comes from many people who have happily shared memories of Anne. I feel privileged to speak about Anne with you all.
Anne O’Brien
Anne O’Brien was the twelfth and youngest child of Catherine and Thomas O’Brien. As a happy, gifted, energetic teenager, Anne entered the Sisters of Mercy, North Sydney in January, 1949. She was delighted that her father had changed his mind and allowed her to enter before she was twenty one.
Thomas, Anne, Irene (Catherine)
On the same day, Betty Conway, Anne Drover and Eva Carlon became postulants, with her. Their First Profession was in September, 1951 and final profession was September, 1953. In 2013 Anne transferred to join the newly formed Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea, commonly known as ISMAPNG.
One story told about Anne’s initiation into religious life is that the morning after her arrival, she walked into the refectory and noticing everything was very quiet, as she sat down, she cheerfully greeted all with a “Hello everyone,” to their surprise and amusement. Recreation breakfast was then declared for all to enjoy!
Anne’s ministry was teaching in Primary Schools and Secondary Colleges. Over the years she taught at Rose Bay, St Patrick’s, Church Hill, Waitara, Earlwood, Neutral Bay, Pymble (where she was also in charge of the boarders), Tempe and Brooklyn.
Anne with a hula hoop
Having majored in Mathematics in her Degree studies, Anne taught secondary Maths at Monte Sant’Angelo College and at her last appointment, Mercy College, Chatswood, where during her time there she also did some teaching in nearby schools. After finishing at Mercy College, Anne generously returned there, on a voluntary basis, for some years to relieve, fill in and help out wherever she was needed.
Anne being awarded her degree
The first time Anne was at Neutral Bay she taught Grades 3 and 4. I was a second year novice also teaching there. Anne impressed me as being an industrious, interested, dedicated teacher. She was hard working and seemed to be able to put her hand to anything. She was also approachable and helpful when asked for any advice on how things needed to be done.
On visitation once a week after school I usually accompanied Anne. We walked, and then got the tram home from the nearest stop. Anne was respectful, understanding and thoughtful with everyone. Nowhere was too far for her to go; once we visited a Nursing Home down near the harbour. Often we were late back to Monte for Office. But for Anne, people had been visited, comforted, and helped in whatever way possible, and she rejoiced in that - in being able to be of service to others.
In community Anne was an active member who participated fully and shared her own truth freely. Just a few weeks ago, Anne was asked what message she has for us all. She replied: “Always be grateful to God and be positive in your outlook on life.”
At meetings or in conversation, Anne’s response was often a quick or slow “Yes,” in agreement. After discussion or uncertainty, a measured, and sometimes quiet, “Maybe” or “Possibly” and, if she was against something “Definitely no”. Anne was often asked to be sacristan or assistant sacristan in convents where she lived. She was kind, thoughtful and a sincere friend to all. A mutual friend phoned me the day after Anne died and she said to me, “Anne never did a nasty or horrible thing to anybody!” I agreed.
Gatherings were often lightened by Anne’s great sense of humour. She enjoyed a good joke and was always ready to join in a laugh. Once Anne, accompanied by another sister went to visit a friend. Upon arrival they were greeted by the host and invited into the house. The man welcomed them and asked them to sit down while he went to get his wife. The furniture in the room was a cane setting. The other sister sat down as Anne did, but she went straight through the chair and was sitting on the floor. The couple came back and Anne was apologizing but everyone was laughing, including Anne. The great thing was that Anne could not only join in with them, but she could also laugh at herself!
Hospitality was easy for Anne, a very good cook. Nothing delighted her more than setting up beautifully and preparing a delicious meal to enjoy with family and friends. On a smaller scale, many of us enjoyed an afternoon gathering with her, for a celebration or just to talk and share time together.
Anne was loyal to her Alma Mater and attended annual reunions at Monte as well as big “O” anniversaries.
Anne at a mini Monte reunion
She was always happy being with friends and sharing memories. She was often involved in contacting ex‑students and reminding them, particularly about anniversaries. Since Gwen and Claire also went to Monte, Anne knew, and was involved with more than her group, so quite a lot of work was done in contacting many ex-students.
A noted tennis player was our Anne; at school, socially at Monte, and later when she joined a suburban Tennis Club. In 1985, she was awarded ‘Sports Woman of the Year’ by Northern Suburbs Tennis Association. In the tennis club Anne was a significant, respected, and valued member. A special celebration was organised to mark her seventieth birthday and fiftieth anniversary of Profession. One of the members cleverly designed a front page of “The Bulletin”, An Anne O’Brien Special – 70 years on Earth, 50 years a Nun. Happy 70th Birthday and 50th Anniversary.
70th birthday edition of The Bulletin
He had creative, imaginary photos of Anne with a famous person or persons, in each relevant category for what he saw were the five pillars of Anne O’Brien; Religion, Charity, Career-Mathematics, Tennis and Family. Thus, with Anne in the different photos were the Pope, Mother Teresa, Albert Einstein, Evonne Goolagong and Margaret Court. For family he wrote, “Why am I always the youngest?”
In January, 2017, a student from Riverview College wrote this to Anne:
Your life story opened my eyes to what life is all about ……. To enjoy the experiences of your life and to follow your dreams. Thank you for helping me realise that every human has a story.
So we see that Anne’s influence went far and wide, touching many and varied people.
Anne, a woman of prayer, always showed great resilience and patience in the face of her0 stroke and ongoing medical problems. These last months, she suffered as her body deteriorated and she became weaker, falls increased and she was bedridden; unable to do things she would have liked to do and enjoy.
Nevertheless, Anne who always had great devotion to participating at Mass, continued to come here, on her scooter, to this Church, for Mass on Sunday mornings, for as long as she was able.
Anne with her trusty scooter
Thus, upholding the pattern of her faithfulness to daily Mass all of her life. It seems that Anne was truly hope-filled in the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
The strength she got from this, must have helped her in her suffering and discomfort in days prior to her death. The day before she died, while she was still conscious but unable to eat, could only sip a few drops of fluid, and in pain, I didn’t hear her complain – she just acknowledged it. She was grateful for even the smallest thing being done for her and there was always a gracious, “Thank you,” for everything. After some pain relief, what I experienced sitting beside her was a sense of goodness, quiet peace, and total acceptance. She seemed to be living the words of the Psalm “My soul waits for the Lord.” Surely, she is now sharing in her victory over death, is with Jesus and all those who have gone before her.
Yes, Anne was physically tall, had a beautiful smile, strong hands and limbs. Often unaware of just how firmly she was gripping you, as she gave you a handshake or a hug. Anne also had a big heart, open and inclusive of everyone. This heart she gave wholeheartedly to her God, our God whom she served so faithfully as a Sister of Mercy, for sixty nine years.
Vale Anne, our relative, our sister, our friend, whom I think we would agree, could be described like Nathanael, “as a person without guile.” We are better people for having known you Anne; for having experienced your presence with us. For having laughed with you and cried with you. We are very grateful, and thank God for the gift of you in our lives.
May you rest in peace and joy; your hope fulfilled.
Anne O’Brien
Written by Sister Margaret Shakeshaft, last modified 28 September 2025