Catholic Diocese of Broome

Veronica Alice Taylor was born in the suburb of Jolimont, in Perth, WA on April 26th 1916.
The early death of Veronica's mother left a father, nine sons and two daughters to mourn her loss. Veronica's sister was studying for a nursing degree at that time, and Veronica, at the tender age of twelve years, became "mother" to the Taylor family. Many years later she completed her General and Midwifery degree in Nursing. Veronica felt called to the Religious Life and, at the age of 31, entered the St John of God Novitiate in Subiaco WA on the 24th May 1947. She would be known from then on as Sister Mary Immaculata.
After her Final Profession, five years later, Sister Immaculata commenced nursing in the St John of God Hospital in Geraldton, then Bunbury and Northam. In 1965, she volunteered her services for the St John of God Kimberley Mission in Derby.

Sister nursed at the Derby Leprosarium (Bungarun) and Lombadina, before transferring to Balgo. Here, Sister's most rewarding career began and lasted twenty years. Her name also changed and, from then on, she became known as "Sr Mac".
In Balgo, as the only qualified nurse, Sr Mac was responsible for the running of the Balgo Hospital. Conditions, at that time, were primitive. However, Sister had many helping hands from the Balgo people and was given the opportunity to teach the people the importance of health care.
When the Community Health Service commenced work in Balgo Sr Mac started a very successful kindergarten and trained many young women to be responsible for the education as well as the health care of their children. Sr Mac was also in charge of the Dormitory Girls, which catered for school-age children from other areas around Balgo.
In 1987 the Sisters of St John of God, who had worked at the Balgo Mission since 1956, were withdrawn from the Mission. This was a cause of sorrow, especially for Sr Mac. However, she retired to Derby in 1989, and began a new lifestyle of service.
She had a passion for gardening and worked wonders in the Convent garden, as well as being responsible for the care of the Convent.
She continued her caring ministry by visiting the Regional Hospital daily when possible, supporting especially the many Balgo patients. Because ante and post natal women spent time in hospital in Derby, Sr Mac made sure they were never bored. She took them shopping and on sight seeing tours, and gave them plenty of advice if they stepped out of line! Sr Mac became a very active member of the Op Shop team and enjoyed working there two afternoons each week.
Although a severe heart problem was present, Sr Mac's wish was that she could work until the time of death. This wish was granted. Her death came as she was preparing her breakfast on the morning of St Patrick's Day when she went peacefully to her Eternal Reward.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the Bishop of Broome.