OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25866, 9 June 1945, Page 8

OBITUARY

MISS MARY McQUEEN

With the death at Brisbane on May 30 of Miss Mary McQueen, more generally known In Dunedin as Sister Mary, there passed one who was closely connected with the social life of Dunedin and Otago for many years. She was one of the first deaconesses of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, and in 1906, when attached to Knox Church, together with Sister Eveline, she started what proved to be the beginning of the Children's Homes Movement of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. These two deaconesses gathered needy children together in their own rooms and cared for them. Later, the work was brought under the notice of the church, and the Presbyterian Social Service Association was formed When this association first opened homes at Clyde street and then the Glendining Home at Anderson's Bay Sister Mary resigned her position at Knox Church to become the matron. Hundreds of boys and girls passed through the homes supervised by her, and some of those who first came under her care coiresponded with her until the time of her death- , , _ Sister Mary retired as matron of Grant’s Braes Home in 1922 and later removed to Brisbane. Queensland, where she resided for a number of years. Although she was 83 years of aje when she died, she was until comparatively recently an active "worker both in church and Sunday school, and a constant visitor at the Brisbane General Hospital. Just two years ago she was presented with a certificate in acknowledgment of 25 years’ membership in the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union. Her many friends in Dunedin and throughout New Zealand will remember her as one who was a great lover of children and very literally spent herself in the service of others.