Pictured above with MercyCare’s Janine Morrison, Jeannine began volunteering with MercyCare after retiring as a Teacher-Librarian at Hale School in 1993.
She first became involved with MercyCare when her mother was a resident at our Wembley Residential Aged Care Home, then known as the Catherine McAuley Aged Care Centre.
Impressed with the love and care shown to all residents by the Sisters of Mercy, she offered to volunteer at the centre.
Jeannine knew many of the Sisters of Mercy whom she visited, shopped for and took on outings.
Over the years, Jeannine went on to do some remarkable work for MercyCare residents, including developing a Twilight Music Program tailored for residents with dementia, which was a great success.
Twice a week, Jeannine would visit the centre to play the piano while residents sang along.
Jeannine also developed a keen interest in heritage after researching her own family, and eventually signed on as MercyCare’s Heritage Officer which involved collecting historical and baptism records.
She organised the preservation of historical photos of the history of St Joseph’s Orphanage and St Vincent’s Foundling Home.
In 2008, Jeannine was instrumental in the restoration of the Heritage Trail on the Wembley site to establish a permanent memorial to the Sisters of Mercy and the children who spent years of their lives on the Wembley site.
This Heritage Trail continues to be enjoyed by visitors and has become an annual activity during Mercy Week for all to enjoy.
The MercyCare team offer our condolences and prayers to Jeannine’s family, friends and loved ones.
Jeannine embodied the MercyCare values and we are proud to share her story.
Her enduring contribution will never be forgotten and her story will always have a place in MercyCare’s heart.
