Some 100 family members helped celebrate Sr Rita’s milestone 100th birthday.
Sister Marie Therese Jones celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday January 22nd 2024. Rita, as she is affectionately known by her large extended family, was born in Rutherglen and has always called Rutherglen her home base.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
She is the eldest of 10 children to Jack and Madge Jones, farmers at North Boorhaman. She attended North Boorhaman Primary School and Mt Carmel Convent in Rutherglen.
After a short stint as a primary school teacher Rita entered the Convent joining the Presentation Sisters. She was professed in 1946 meaning that she has been a Nun for a staggering 78 years.
She has taught in many Presentation Convents across Victoria and schools in Melbourne. Admired for her calm and soothing nature, she is fondly remembered by students, fellow Nuns, teachers, parents, and members of the communities and parishes she has served.
On Saturday the Jones family came from far and wide to help celebrate the amazing milestone. Around 100 family members gathered at the Jones farm for Mass on the back veranda celebrated by Rutherglen Parish Priest Fr Peter Taylor. This was followed by lamb on the spit (lamb from the farm), roast vegetables and salads, washed down with local red wine.
A magnificent cake was made by her great nephew and niece, followed by speeches and cards from the King, Governor General, Prime Minister, Governor of Victoria and local members of Parliament.
Some 100 family members helped celebrate Sr Rita’s milestone 100th birthday.
Having lived through the depression, World War 2, man on the moon, and many other world events we asked what the greatest advancement was she had seen – flushing toilets!
With so many family members in attendance we thought we’d ask her during the speeches, which one of us was her favourite relative?
Her answer: “Only God knows, and he’s not telling”.
When asked for a quote about her long life, Rita said: “I’ve had a great life, Alleluia”.
