Vale Sr Mary Josepha Aiken
Sr Mary Josepha Aiken rsj passed away peacefully at the Royal Hobart Hospital on Sunday 8 January at age 94 in what was her 74th year of religious life.
Lovingly remembered as a kind and generous lady by the Sisters of St Joseph, and those who knew and loved her, her funeral was held on Wednesday 18 January at Sacred Heart Church in New Town.
In a previous interview with the Catholic Standard to celebrate her 70th anniversary of religious life, Sr Mary Josepha said though she might not have been perfect in her service of God, she always did what she felt was right and what He was calling her to do.
Baptised at St Michael’s Church in Campbell Town, Sr Mary Josepha moved several times as a child, as her family followed her policeman father through various station transfers.
Her journey in religious life began just after the Second World War, after coming across and spending time with the Sisters of St Joseph in New Town.
“I could see the work that the Sisters [of St Joseph] were doing with the young children, and I felt that was what God was calling me to do: to care for and teach little children about Him.”
Her religious name of Sr Mary Josepha was always very important to her.
“I have a strong devotion to St Joseph. If anything goes wrong: ‘Good St Joseph, come to my aid!’” she said.
A teacher in many locations around Tasmania, including Newstead, Smithton, Franklin, Colebrook, Cygnet and New Town, her other great love was cooking and hospitality.
Receiving an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis upon her 70th Anniversary of her Religious Profession, Sr Mary Josepha said she was grateful for the opportunity to serve God and His people in Tasmania.
“I always feel that He’s there, that He’s listening, that He’s the builder. He’s the one that is building the foundation.
“He’s always filling me up,” she said.
May Sr Mary Josepha now rest in Our Lord’s everlasting peace.