An outstanding OLSH, PNG Missionary story, 60 years. (1928-1990)

Sr. Simona gained much respect by learning several local languages and was gifted with many talents: teacher, nurse, singer, welfare officer, designer of clothes, organizer of primitive hospitals and elementary schools, and educational services. She also co-founded the small mountain village of Fane in the Central Province of Papua New Guinea, where she spent 26 years of her life. About her beloved village of Fane, she said, "This is where I belong, this is where I'll die." Due to her respectable age, the local chiefs and people saw her as a “grandmother of all” and came by foot from far through the jungle to get her opinion on family issues and tribe problems.

Prior to Sister Simona’s tragic passing, she spent her final months at the Kensington Convent here in Sydney.

Sr. Simona, “Marmee,” will always be remembered as a unique woman with a large, warm heart who made a difference in the lives of many Papuans. May she rest in peace, and may her work not be forgotten. As she often said in the Fuyughe language: “Deov ur Uala” – it’s all up to God, God knows…