The following dedication was presented by Bronwyn Summers at the Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) Volunteers Luncheon on Monday, 18 May 2026.
Sr Mary’s connection with our organisation (Villa Maria Catholic Homes) actually spans much more than 30 years, first joining as a much-loved staff member in 1979 and then as an extraordinary volunteer, who now also resides in our retirement community. Throughout that time, she has touched countless lives with her compassion, wisdom and gentle humour.
As Pastoral Care Coordinator of the Villa Maria Society, Sr Mary supported residents across four aged care homes, at Berwick, Bundoora, Wantirna and O’Neill (in Prahran), in the early days, and then at St Paul’s College, always bringing comfort and dignity to those she served. She also led a pioneering program (at that time) that recorded Catholic materials for people with vision impairment, which was the only service of its kind in Victoria. Sr Mary led a small group of volunteers who recorded materials via cassettes and distributed them in person to people. This later transitioned into the DAISY Program that was a contemporary digital platform of that era.
In her volunteer years, Sr Mary continued to innovate and care, gathering volunteers with low vision to visit others in the community, offering connection, understanding and hope. She also brought joy through her weekly guitar playing at St Paul’s College and remains a much-loved TeleFriend to people in the wider community.
Sr Mary, thank you for your generosity, your guidance, and the kindness you’ve shared so freely. You have made a profound difference, and we are deeply grateful for all you have given.
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Christine Sartori says:
So proud of you Mary. What a woman!