Sr Noni Mitchell ibvm AM ('43)

Sr Noni Mitchell ibvm was a beloved member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary community, former Province Leader, Superior General, ex-student and Principal of Loreto Kirribilli.

Sr Noni was an extraordinary presence throughout her long life. “She was a true Mary Ward woman,” says Wendy Hildebrand ibvm, Province Leader Australia and South East Asia. “She was prepared to blaze new trails in finding creative ways of serving God.”

Born in Belmont, New South Wales on 12 October 1928, Sr Noni attended the three Loreto Schools of Ballarat, Claremont and Coorparoo before completing her education at Loreto Kirribilli. She went on to study Medicine at the University of Sydney, graduating at the age of 22. After her residency, and three years in general practice in rural South Australia, Sr Noni decided to enter religious life. She joined the Loreto Sisters on 13 June 1954, assuming the religious name of John Bosco. She began her teaching career in the junior years at Loreto Normanhurst, teaching many subjects, and eventually becoming Head of Science, teaching full time between Normanhurst and Kirribilli.

In 1970 she was appointed to the role of Principal at Loreto Kirribilli, but before long she was seconded to be Principal of Christ College Melbourne, a newly-founded Catholic teachers' college.

Sr Noni was first and foremost a leader - in education, religious life and the Church. She had a considerable impact on education across Australia, involved in the writing of textbooks, developing the Wyndham scheme integrated science syllabus, and serving on many significant state and federal education boards and committees.

Her outstanding contribution to education was recognised in 1997 by an honorary doctorate from the Australian Catholic University, and a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award from the Commonwealth Government. A long-serving Provincial Leader of Loreto Australia, Sr Noni was also General Superior of the IBVM for two terms in Rome.

Sr Deirdre Browne ibvm OAM said in her eulogy, “You truly have been to us a leader beyond compare. Well done, good and faithful friend!”

Colour on Canvas

Read Sr Deirdre Browne's eulogy for Sr Noni here