Patricia Sherin was born in Kilkenny Ireland on 17th March 1918 and was baptised in the Dominican ‘Black Abbey”.

Her father, Justin, was Irish and he met his wife, Constance Charters when she was on a working holiday, stranded at the outbreak of World War 1.  Constance an ex-student of Maitland, returned to Australia with her two small children, Betty and Paddy, and her dentist husband and they settled in Mudgee, where the children were at school until 2nd year, when they were sent as boarders to Santa Sabina, Strathfield 1932 – 1935.

After completing fourth year medicine at Sydney University, Patricia entered the Dominican community at Maitland on 30th April 1940. Sister completed a science degree and her Diploma of Education and then taught in secondary schools in Maitland, Strathfield Sydney, Camberwell Melbourne, and Mossvale.

In 1980, Sr Mary Mechtilde obtained her Graduate Diploma of Librarianship, making a special study of library services for people with vision impairment. She then acted as school librarian in Brisbane, Sydney and Newcastle until she retired in 1985.

From 1985 – 1995, Sr Mary Mechtile taught adults to lip-read through the Australian Better Hearing Group, was Home Tutor for people for whom English was a second language,   assisted in the Congregational Archives and took great pride in setting up efficient libraries  in her home communities.    Always a fine craftswoman, Sr Mechtilde  extended  her talent in art when she began classes in water colour in 1995.    Through her art she was able to indulge her passion for nature in a new way.       

When Sister Mechtilde moved to formal retirement at St Martin de Porres Hostel, she enjoyed a very full life,  joining in every activity and even winning gold medals for her art and craft  in the Newcastle Show. All this, despite a good deal of ill health throughout her life.

Sister Mechtilde was totally devoted and dedicated to whatever task  she felt God called her to do, whether it was work or play.

Sr Mechtile lived out her motto: ‘Teach me to do your will’ each and every day. She died peacefully at Bethel Nursing Home, Waratah on 28 July 2009.

May she rest in peace.