Plaque 167
Joseph van Konynenburg &
Thomas Joseph O'Keefe
Joseph van Konynenburg - My Father-in-law
Steel fabricator - Lover of music, singing, enjoyment of life and people.
Lived through two World Wars, was injured and suffered terrible deprivation, fear for his family and witness to many hideous acts of war, but never uttered a word of hatred towards those perpetrators of these acts - Never judged people
Thomas Joseph O'Keefe - My Father
Road maker, Farmer, Council worker - Lover of poetry, music and people.
"Never make judgements of people - you don't know where they have come from"
"There is never justification for unkindness to man or animal".
How lucky was I to have two men of such mercy in my life?
by: Helen Konynenburg
Plaque 170
Jane Jacinto
I chose my mother because my mother was a very simple woman.All the values we have today; love, forgiveness, sharing and kindness are because of her teachings.
Most of all she taught us “how to pray”.She loved Jesus, and she taught us to believe and follow him.
by: Flavia
Plaque 172
Fr. Terry Naughton
MSC
I chose Fr Terry Naughton MSC because he has been a fried of our family for over 30 decades. Our family consists of 6 diverse individuals. Whilst journeying with us through life’s travails and joys, Terry has never faltered in expressing his love for our family through his consistency, care, compassion and unconditional acceptance. He is without doubt our family’s heart of mercy and compassion
by: Denise and David Carl
Plaque 178
Sr. Angelato O'Donoghue
RGS
I chose Sr Angela as my model of mercy because she is also my Aunty Kath, the only sister of my mum. Throughout my life I have been privileged to witness her commitment to her faith and family. She first entered the Good Shepherd order in her early twenties, but returned home before her final vows to care for her mother who had become ill. She nursed both my grandparents until they died and re-entered the convent at the age of 44. She will turn 100 years old on the 11th August. Although now frail in body, her mind and spirit are an inspiration to all who know her.
by: Mary Ryan
Plaque 180
Peter Reardon
I chose my Dad, Peter Reardon because he has given decades of service and dedication in his professional, community and family life.His sacrifices ensured our family had the best opportunities growing up and his support enabled my sisters and I to become the women we are today.
by: Emily Woodhams
Plaque 184
Kathy Reardon
I chose my Mum, Kathy Reardon because her selflessness and generosity have been a model for me to follow, especially since becoming a mother myself.
I pray that my children will see me the same way I see Mum – someone that will always be there for them and love them unconditionally.
by: Emily Woodhams
Plaque 185
Robyn Vorherr
I chose Robyn because I am very blessed to have been so well loved and cared for my daughter, along with others.Being dedicated for 39 years to nursing thousands of patients, one area being “Casualty Emergency” which is a tough gig.
God’s grace has shone through and that’s mercy.
by: Angela Orwin
Plaque 190
Suzie Mascarenhas
I chose my mum Suzie because she always puts everyone else’s needs in front of her own. The most significant example is when she hid her diagnosis of breast cancer from us during my wedding time, till I was back from my honeymoon. She did not want to ruin my special day. Thank you mum - my role model.We love you.
by: Etta D’Souza
Plaque 193
Bill & Shirley Webb
I chose Bill and Shirley Webb as they showed unconditional love to everyone they met.Bill was a prisoner of war in Changi in WW2 and suffered for 3 years.But together with Shirley he used this experience to teach their children the power of love and forgiveness.
They taught through example how to live faith filled and compassionate lives to their 7 children and families.
by: Phillipa Higgins
Plaque 194
Angela Merkel
Angela Merkel orchestrated the most generous, openhearted gesture of recent history blossoming from Germany, the country that within living memory (and beyond) blew apart the European continent, and then the world, by taking to gruesome extremes all the forces its Chancellor strives to hold in check: nationalism, nativism, self-righteousness, reversion to arms. Angela welcomed refugees with open arms when so many other nations were closing their borders. She showed courage, compassion and mercy, something that many leaders seem to lack.
by: Marisa Matthys