Figure 9 - An Image of Sister Marie Eustelle
Sister Marie Eustelle was born on the 31st of December 1913 at ‘Hillview’, Southern Cross in Warrnambool, by the name of Ellen Teresa Gleeson. She was educated by the Good Samaritan Sisters at St Patrick's College in Koroit. On the 3rd of December 1931, at the age of 18, Sr Eustelle entered the Good Samaritan Novitiate, Pennant Hills where she was given her religious name ‘Sister Marie Eustelle’.
After entering the novitiate, Sr Eustelle was under Mother Virgilius Scott and Mother Antoni Malone’s supervision. Two years later, she entered the Good Samaritan Novitiate in Pennant Hills where she professed her vows on January 12th, 1935, before completing her teachers-training course at St Scholastica’s Training College, Glebe. Sr Eustelle was appointed to various locations before she left for Nagasaki, including Rozelle, Braidwood and Forest Lodge. It was at Christopher’s school in Canberra when Sr Marie Eustelle received the call she had been selected to travel to Nagasaki. During her time in Nagasaki, Sr Marie became fluent in Japanese and provided immense support to Mother Catherine Teresa, whilst teaching the Japanese children English. In 1952, she was appointed Superior in a small community called Nara, but a short time after she was forced to return home due to ill health. Her time in Nagasaki renewed her passion for teaching and from 1954 onwards she taught at several schools in Toowoomba and Victoria. This inspired her to write a small series of books entitled “Stepping Stones” to read in schools. In 1990, Sister Marie Eustelle moved into Marian house and died on the 27th of November, 1995. She was 81, having dedicated 64 years to religion. She left a lasting impression on schools and teaching and her patient and loving nature is remembered by those to whom she was close. |