Sister Maree Allen: A Journey of Faith, Service, and Finding New Purpose

As part of Dementia Action Week, Mercy Health has profiled one of its residents, Sister Maree Allen RSM, who has lived a life of service and compassion, and is now enjoying her next chapter at Mercy Place Rice Village in Melbourne.

Sister Maree Allen RSM was born in Melbourne at St. Anne’s in Kew in 1935. She is the eldest of three children, with her siblings Geraldine and Paul. Her parents, Mary Carmel Allen and Henry Allen, were deeply involved in the local Catholic community.

Her early childhood was spent in Melbourne until World War II. Her father, a bank manager, wanted to join the army to be with his three brothers who were serving. However, the bank didn’t allow it because he was one of their best employees. Soon after, the family moved to Mansfield. There, they quickly became a part of the close-knit town due to her father’s charisma, musical skills, and sports talents. The Allen’s were very active in the Catholic church, often helping the nuns with what was needed at the time.

The weather in Mansfield was tough, and Sister Maree’s mother developed pleurisy. To help her recover, the bank moved the family to Swan Hill, where they stayed until Sister Maree was in Year 11. Although they missed Mansfield, they made the best of their time in Swan Hill. One of Sister Maree’s fondest memories was spending Sundays walking around the golf course with her family.

During a visit back to Mansfield, the family stopped by to see the nuns they knew well. The nuns convinced Sister Maree’s parents that she should join the convent. At age 17, she went along with their decision. Life in the convent was strict, and she was kept busy, leaving little time to reflect on her choice. Despite having no formal qualifications, she began teaching at the age of 19. One of her most memorable roles was teaching 90 Grade five students, many of whom were migrants arriving in the country after the war. She considers this the highlight of her career.

Sister Maree found joy in her role as a nun, particularly through teaching and the opportunities that came with it. Recognised for her intelligence, she received a scholarship to Melbourne University, where she earned both a Bachelor and a Master of Arts.

Sister Maree has always had a love for history, particularly the history of the Sisters of Mercy. This passion led her to write her book The Labourers’ Friends: Sisters of Mercy in Victoria and Tasmania, in 1989, which she describes as a happy story to tell. The book tells 140 years of Australian history through the eyes of women. It shares the story of the Sisters of Mercy in Australia, starting in Perth in 1846, then moving to Melbourne in 1857 during the gold rush, and spreading throughout Victoria and Tasmania. While the book focuses on the early years, it also connects to the present day.

In 2023, Sister Maree moved to Mercy Place Rice Village after spending time in Independent Living Units (ILU). Unfortunately, as her memory declined, it became unsafe for her to live alone. Now, she loves living at Mercy Place Rice Village, feeling safe and at peace among the expansive gardens. “God meant for me to be here,” she says.

“When Sister Maree first moved to Mercy Place Rice Village, she found it difficult to adjust. She felt that everything she valued had been taken away and that she had lost her purpose,” says Narelle Grech, Precinct Manager of Mercy Place Rice Village. “That’s when we decided to partner with Dementia Support Australia (DSA) to create a Dementia Action Plan for Sister Maree. The plan helped get her the support she needed to feel purposeful again.”

DSA, funded by the Australian government, has trained consultants that seek to understand the experiences of those living with dementia and help their carers to make sense of behavioural change.

DSA Head of Professional Services Marie Alford said Sister Maree’s vocation as a Catholic Sister of Mercy had shaped her lifelong commitment to serving others and supporting those in need.

“Just because someone is living with dementia doesn’t mean they aren’t still able to contribute to the community. Our goal was to create a routine filled with meaning, and the care team diligently went beyond simple engagement to foster a true sense of purpose for her,” Ms Alford said.

One way the home helped her regain her sense of purpose was by setting up spaces for her to do activities she loved, such as gardening, which brought a sense of control and routine back into her life. Today, Sister Maree is much more settled and engages warmly with everyone at Mercy Place Rice Village. “I feel safe and at peace,” she says.

Pictured: Sister Maree in the garden at Mercy Place Rice Village

For more information on Mercy Health’s Aged Care visit https://www.mercyhealth.com.au/ .

(Source: Mercy Health)