Obituaries Australia

On Friday, May 18, at Santa Sabina, Strathfield, there passed away Mother M. Joseph Guerry de Lauret, O.P., in her 83rd year.

Mother Joseph was born at 'Wynella,' Goulburn, in 1862, of a well-known French family. She was educated at the Dominican Convent, West Maitland, and entered the Order on September 8, 1886. She was professed on June 6, 1889.

For many years she was in charge of the boarders at Maitland. In 1905 and 1906 she held the office of Superior at Moss Vale. She returned to Maitland in 1907, to be Sub-Prioress, which office she hold till her election as Prioress of Maitland in 1913. At the close of her term of office in 1919, she went to Moss Vale as Prioress, remaining there till 1924.

In 1929 she was elected a Councillor-General of the First General Council held in New South Wales. She was also Secretary-General. In 1939 she celebrated the golden jubilee of her holy profession. The last years of her life were passed at Santa Sabina.

Though she had become very frail, she rose for Mass on most days, and was looking forward to the community retreat, which she followed till the day before her death. Her end was very peaceful.

Mother M. Joseph was gifted with a charming and gracious personality, which during her long life endeared her to a wide circle of friends.

On Saturday, May 19, Office of the Dead was chanted by the assembled priests, the cantors being the Rev. Father L. Tosi and the Rev. Father Leo Walsh. Requiem Mass followed, the Rev. Father E. Bond, P.P., being celebrant; the Rev. Father J. Power, deacon; the Rev. Father J. Grady, sub deacon, and the Rev. Father D. Q'Rourke, master of ceromonies.

Mother M. Joseph is survived by her twin sister, Sister M. Clare O.P., who is at present at All Hallows Dominican Convent, Bathurst, and her younger sister, Miss Louise de Lauret, of Goulburn. — R.I.P.