The story of Margaret’s early life tells us much about the woman she became. The family moved to Ashbridge when Margaret was still small. There a new school had just been built and accommodation was required for a teacher. No-one had been able to find room, but then Margaret’s parents, who were anxious to have education for their growing family, offered to provide this. Miss Mackenzie became a dear friend of the family while the children learnt what values were important. Margaret cannot remember much discussion about religion, but the family rosary; the trip to Mass in the horse drawn buggy, in all weathers; consecration of the home to the Sacred Heart and Mass in their home with their priest-uncle were all part of the fabric of life.

As was the custom in those times, Margaret attended State Schools for her education: Ashbridge Primary and Wagga High School. She won a Scholarship for High School and later trained to be a teacher at the Sydney Teachers’ Training College. Margaret had very happy memories of her teaching days in country N.S.W. The family had moved to Blackheath in 1913 when Mrs. Sullivan’s health failed, and the specialist prescribed the Blue Mountains to increase her strength. The children protested about leaving their beautiful home, well-run farm and productive orchard but Mr. Sullivan silenced any further objections when he told them: “I can get you another home, but I cannot get you another mother.”

Margaret first met the Society in 1922 when she made a Retreat at Rose Bay. Nine years before, Margaret’s sister entered the Little Company of Mary. When saying good-bye to Margaret, Mary whispered: “Pray for a vocation, I know you have one.” Margaret was determined not to be a nun because she did not want to leave home. However, she made a novena to St Francis Xavier and at the end of the 9 days she knew that God wanted her to be a nun. We see here an example of the fidelity to God which characterized Margaret’s life. If God wanted something, then there was no hesitation.

Margaret’s postulancy and Noviceship was spent at Rose Bay where Reverend Mother Salmon, Mére Blanc and Mother Woodlock guided this earnest young woman. Immediately after 1st Vows, she was sent to Timaru in the South Island of New Zealand. She loved this house and perhaps her great attachment to the Land of the Great White Cloud began at this time. She was to spend over twenty years in our different houses in New Zealand. Final Profession was in Rome in 1930 under the wise instruction of Reverend Mother Datti.

The next 55 years of active ministry saw her skills for organization, her great love for the garden, her deep reverence for everything to do with liturgy and worship; and above all her care and responsibility for people, developed fully. She was Mother Assistant, Household Manager or Bursar for 45 years of her life. The garden was her charge for the first time in 1938 at Island Bay, but again this became a consistent theme of joy for her at Kincoppal and later at Karlaminda. In 1925, she was named Sacristan at Timaru and again this became another thread which coloured her life. However, it was in her care and responsibility for people that Margaret sought to live and develop the spirit of the Society. As Mistress of Health, Mistress of Novices and Superior she expected and called forth generosity and loving, selfless service.

Margaret’s 16 years at Karlaminda saw the loving, more humorous and a more tolerant woman emerging. Her fidelity and deep Spirituality enriched Community. Her love for austerity and poverty, which meant saving on electricity, water and anything that could give extra comfort, was well known to all and sometimes challenged our devoted staff. When Margaret Taylor told her to “Take things quietly” – she replied with a wicked twinkle “Just like the kleptomaniac’. This gentler Margaret had the greatness in later life to apologize for her severity in earlier times. As one who was her novice said “Her love for the Society and her loyalty to what was then considered the accepted way of training young religious was a measure of her integrity. I have always deeply respected, admired and had great affection for her.”

This leads me to share a glimpse of the loving Margaret.

We must mention Danny Boy, the Budgie who became her constant companion and confidant, with free-flying access in her room. One day Margaret was trying to type and Danny Boy had perched himself on her forefinger. Margaret said to him “Danny Boy, you are always helping – now I want to type this letter, so do fly away.” She heard Danny Boy say “I love you”.

The Seminarians from St Paul’s who helped in the garden were another source of delight for Margaret. She shared her love for nature with them, prayed for them and remembered them faithfully. Fr Ellis Clifford from Manly in Brisbane is one of Margaret’s Seminarians who would have loved to have been here today.

Margaret’s family were particularly close to her heart. She loved them deeply, rejoiced in their happiness and suffered their sorrows. Her letters must have meant so much to them.

Finally, the Society, the Province and especially the Karlaminda Community and Household were precious for Margaret. She felt surrounded by love, prayer and thoughtful care during these years of growing frailty and could not say enough in praise of Sr M. Shanahan, Sr M. d’Apice, the Community and our wonderful Staff.

Dear Margaret – we give you back to the God you served so valiantly. We hold in our hearts the memory of
a woman of deep faith
of total integrity and
of gracious humility

a true daughter of Saint Madeleine Sophie.

Philomene Tiernan rscJ