Sr Mary Bernardine was born on 19th August, 1921, at Dungog NSW. She was baptised Margaret, and was the daughter of Edward and Mary, and the sister of Charles, John, Mary Therese OP and Vincent (all deceased), and Bernadette Milne.

She attended primary schools at St Joseph’s Dungog  and Sacred Heart Hamilton.   Her secondary schooling was at San Clemente, Mayfield and St Mary’s Maitland.

Margaret entered the Dominican Convent at Maitland, NSW on 20 May 1940, and was professed on 4 December 1941, and known henceforth as Sr Mary Bernardine.

She trained as a primary school teacher, spending twenty nine years as Principal in various schools.  Her teaching ministry took her to Camberwell Victoria, Mayfield, Moss Vale, Wahroonga, Maitland and Strathfield in NSW, Hobart Tasmania, and Kaleen in the ACT.   In retirement she worked as Librarian, a clerical assistant and in special education.

During her sixty nine years of religious life Sr M Bernardine had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land and participate in a pilgrimage to the lands of Dominic.

In recent years she lived at St Mary’ Priory Maitland, and died peacefully at St Joseph’s Sandgate on 3 May 2010.

May she rest in peace.

Motto: 'Passion of Christ strengthen me'