Annette was born in Murrurundi, the beloved daughter of Raphael and Irene Dooley, and sister of Mary Dimmock.

Following a long line of family members — her grandmother and mother went to Dominican Schools in Maitland and Moss Vale, and her father’s sisters were at Maitland, Moss Vale and Strathfield - Annette attended school at Maitland and Strathfield.

On finishing school she worked for a few years in the Department of External Affairs in Canberra, followed by some time in Melbourne in Radio and Theatre before entering the Dominican Community on 2 February 1951, and became known as Sr M. Emmanuel.

Annette ministered among students with impaired hearing in Newcastle and Portsea, and secondary students in our schools in Maitland, Sydney, Tamworth, and Moss Vale. She also worked at the Angelicum in Rome.

In retirement she worked tirelessly for social justice, taking particular interest in Aboriginal people.  She  also continued her involvement in theatre and her love of writing through the  Society of Women Writers, exhibiting a great capacity for friendship and mentoring.

Annette’s intense enthusiasm for life showed in her great love for Australian History and special interest in her own interesting family history. She vigorously supported the Australian Labour Party, and followed cricket enthusiastically.   

We give gratitude to God
for Annette’s strong, gracious presence among us.
May she now live the fullness of eternal peace and joy.

Motto: "God Alone"