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Closer to God in everyway
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Sister Helen Monkivitch AO RSM (left) chats to her former tutor, Sister Aurelia on her 100th birhday celebration
(thanks to the Geelong News for the photo) |
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Seventy seven years as a Sister of Mercy has been good for Sister Aurelia Lambert, who celebrated her 100th birthday on the 9th May at Mercy's Rice Village, in Geelong.
The Sisters of Mercy built Rice Village in 1996, and Sister Aurelia took a keen interest in the construction. In fact she was so impressed with the new facility that she insisted, when the time came, Rice Village is where she wanted to live.
Sister Aurelia, or 'Reels' as she is affectionately known, joined the Sisters of Mercy in 1930 as a twenty three year old. She cared for women and children for over 50 years at Mercy Private Hospital and later at Mercy Hospital for Women.
In 1937 she was appointed to Mercy Private Hospital and studied Midwifery followed by General Nurse Training. After practising midwifery for some years she went on to study Infant Welfare. She was well qualified in both maternal and child health and, during the Forties and Fifties, worked in Mercy Private's Children's Ward and later in the Midwifery area.
In 1958, Mercy Private Hospital was approved as a training school for student midwives. Aurelia was appointed a tutor in neonatal paediatrics. Prior to working in health, Aurelia was a teacher and this experience served her well as she became a highly popular and respected tutor.
"Reels is a lively spirit of joy", said former student Sister Helen Monkivitch RSM AO, Director of Leadership for Mercy Health & Aged Care. Sister Helen said, "Her ready helpfulness, incredible kindness and wonderful hospitality continues to this day."
In 1967 Sister Aurelia moved from tutoring, into Medical Records. In 1970 she set up the Medical Records Department of the then brand new Mercy Hospital for Women. Since moving to Mercy's Rice Village Sister Aurelia has endeared herself to everyone with her gentleness, peacefulness and gratitude for everything that is done for her.
Rice Village is part of Mercy Health & Aged Care, which is owned by the Sisters of Mercy. Over 180 residents are cared for in the 'village like' atmosphere that offers four levels of care for older people, ranging from independent living units to high care nursing home accommodation.
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