BERNIE  BRENNAN

23.11.1941 – 13.01.2020

Bernie lived a full life, enjoying his fishing, hunting, worldly travels and being a great dad and husband. He was a strong man, full of love, smiles and good humour. He was never afraid of telling a good joke and having a great time.

Bernard knew and loved Fr Coleman throughout his life. He and Jan took special care of him in his later years by sharing a weekly meal followed by a well-earned rest at their home overlooking Sydney Harbour. His generosity was unlimited and his ability to make and keep friends for life was unique.

The last few years had been very stressful for all the family as Bernie had chronic illnesses. He was a wonderful man loved and cared for dearly by his wonderful wife Jan. Now may he rest in peace.

JOHN AMBROGIO

08.04.1932  -  19.08.2019

John Ambrogio was the gentleman Italian barber from Crows Nest, always immaculately dressed and greeting everyone with a big warm smile.

Everyone who came to sit in his barber’s chair received a first class service, including a coffee and a friendly chat, with many of his loyal clients becoming his friends. Father Paul Coleman was one of his oldest and dearest friends with John cutting his hair for over 40 years.

John loved being out and about along Willoughby Road and catching up with the locals, and many who knew him referred to him as an icon of Crows Nest.  Whilst his work always brought him great joy his heart always belonged at home.  Nothing made him happier than sharing a good Italian meal cooked by his beloved wife Connie and surrounded by all his family.

CHRIS VIRGONA

17.07.1943 – 05.01.2019

Chris was a good, kind man – full of faith! In his late 20’s, he made the 30 day retreat. This experience shaped his life. Chris was a LIFE enthusiast – family man, 6 children [Bridget born with Spina Bifida], 16 grandchildren, entomologist, daily Mass goer, parachutist, classical music lover, movie tragic, cook, cake decorator, greyhound trainer, sever, home barista, land-rover owner and keen traveller.

Aged 35, Chris suffered a stroke caused by a congenital heart abnormality. More strokes followed and severe rheumatoid arthritis caused daily pain. His enthusiasm for life stayed strong. Paul Coleman nurtured Chris’ faith involving our family in a dynamic parish community where joys and sorrows were shared! Chris and Pam came to St Joseph’s to be with Paul in his health struggles. It was our turn to be with him.

The community of St Josephs prayed for Chris as he endured his last health crisis. Here we all celebrate the gift we are to each other as we share, in faith, our many joys and sorrows.

CATHERINE DOHERTY

04.05.41 – 22.01.2019

Catherine was born on 4th May, 1941, one of 12 children of Michael and Mary Kate Doherty, a strongly Catholic family from Kilgarriff, Charlestown, Co. Mayo, Ireland.

After attending school at Cloonlyon National School, and, later at Ballaghaderreen Vocational School, Catherine migrated to England in 1958 and, later, to Australia in 1973.

Catherine first met Father Paul during his time at Mary MacKillop Chapel. She became a dedicated follower, attending his Masses, where possible, there and, later, in North Sydney Parish and at St Josephs.

Catherine is remembered for her warm personality, her kindness, gentleness and friendliness, her strong Catholic Faith, and her fortitude, resilience, faith and optimism during her final illness.

JUDITH COATES

10.03.1943 – 29.06.2017

Judi’s family, her dedicated Christian belief and medical science were the three major pillars on which Judi based her personal and professional life. Gifted academically, she was successful in her career as a Medical Technologist and went on to manage Pathology laboratories.

She founded MARYPATH a charity that pioneered cervical cancer screening of women in the highlands and remote areas of Papua New Guinea, which earned her a nomination to Senior Citizen of the Year.

Judi’s three children, John, Michele and Penny are all successful in their lives and chosen careers. She has nine grandchildren. It is sadly ironic that after decades in pathology and hematology it was a blood disease, leukaemia, that ended a caring and remarkable life.

Ross higgins

14.06.1931 - 07.10.2016

Ross Higgins was a loving husband to Nadine and his family, and a true icon of the Australian entertainment industry, with success and popularity in radio, television, voiceovers, stage and film.

Educated by the Jesuits at St Aloysius’ College at Kirribilli, he went on to a successful 60 years in show business, first in radio, then TV with the legendary sitcom “Kingswood Country” and numerous other shows.

Ross was married to Nadine for 61 years, and he enjoyed a friendship with and a deep respect for Fr Paul Coleman, whose prayers were a source of peace and comfort to Ross and his family.

RAY JONES

14.12.1935 – 11.07.2016

Raymond Arthur Jones – a champion of our hearts, a great mate to all – ‘our Ray of Sunshine’! Loving and beloved husband of Evelyne. Cherished father of Lanneke and Amalia, and proud Nonno of Jeremy, Allegra and Luka.

Ray was an innovative Engineer, Inventor and Creator of beautiful buildings and classic cars – a Horseman, Trainer and Endurance Rider.

Ray was a Racer of Vintage Cars at Le Mans, Goodwood, USA and UK – an industrialist, Property Developer and Manufacturer – a Jazz afficianado, and producer of music.

Generous and Loving.

margaret murphy ibwm

09.08.1940 – 23.03.2015

“Goodness is measured by what we embrace, what we create, and who we include.”

Marg embraced a life of love and care and service from the time of her early years of nursing leading into her lifelong commitment and dedication to the IBVMs. Throughout the years and well away from public gaze Marg quietly created safe havens, safe gatherings for people from all walks of life who were struggling with difficult issues.

Similarly, during her many years working alongside Fr. Paul providing pastoral care at the Mater, Marg’s innate sensitivity, her kindness, her trustworthiness, and her respectful manner helped to create sacred personal spaces of comfort and support for the patients and staff.

And finally ‘inclusion’. Marg’s strong faith and deep spirituality were evident to all of us who knew her. She lived her faith each day in prayerful and in practical ways. There were no barriers to the care, the guidance and support that she gave to the countless women and men who came to her. Marg welcomed the stranger as guest, faithful to the teachings of Our Lord. By this measure and every other, Marg was a very good woman indeed, and we were blessed to have known her company.

FATHER NOEL CONNOLY SSC

24.01.1945 - 06.06.2020

Noel Connolly was a Columban missionary priest. Since his ordination in 1969, he had served in many countries as a missionary, most notably in Korea from 1970-1974, which then led to his becoming the founding Chaplain to the Korean Catholic Community in Sydney.

He was Rector of the Pacific Mission Institute, Vicar General of the Columbans throughout the world and Director of the Columbans in Australia and New Zealand. In recent years he has been a Lecturer and the Head of, Mission and Culture at the Catholic Institute of Sydney and lectured in mission at the BBI - Australian Institute of Theological Formation.  

His major role now is as a member of the Facilitation Team of the Plenary Council 2020.

Having lived with cancer for the past few years Noel died peacefully on 6th June 2020. May he now enjoy the fullness of life with his Maker.

May eternal peace be yours Noel. You will be missed.