May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be Everywhere Loved!

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to make music to my God all my days.” (Psalm 92:1, adapted)

These words adapted from Psalm 92 capture well the driving force behind our dear Sister Valerie’s life. On Sunday, the 11th January, our much‑loved Sister Valerie gently slipped into the loving embrace of the One who had been her strength, her passion, and the music of her soul throughout her 101 years. For nearly eight decades she lived her vows as a Daughter of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart with fidelity, humility, and generous service.

To Valerie’s family and all her relatives and friends, who loved her so much and are deeply saddened by her death, we offer our deepest sympathy and the support of our prayers. You know well her deep love for you, her pride and joy in you, and her gratitude to you. We also extend sympathy to those joining via livestream from around Australia and the world.

Valerie Donavan, Val as she was called by many, was born on 15 September 1924 in Sherwood, Brisbane, the youngest of three children of James and Isabel Donavan. Though her family lived a simple, working‑class life, their home was rich in Catholic faith and values—honesty, courtesy, integrity, and deep respect for others. She lived through the Depression as a child and the Second World War as a teenager, experiences that shaped her resilience, gratitude, and unwavering trust in God.

Valerie began her schooling at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Convent at Corinda, where she first discovered the world of music. From her earliest days she enjoyed it deeply and was blessed with a gifted and generous music teacher who recognised her talent and nurtured it with gentle encouragement. Under this sister’s guidance, Valerie not only learnt to play but learnt to love music—to understand it as a language of the heart, a way of expressing faith and joy.

Before entering the convent, Valerie worked as a typist and stenographer in the Army Pay Office during the war. It was during these years that she felt God calling her to religious life. On 9 August 1943 she wrote to Mother Concepta: “I have a great desire to enter Religious Life and have been thinking of it for about four years at least… I like music very much and would love to be a music teacher, if you would accept me as such.” Mother Concepta did indeed accept her—with open arms.

In October 1944, Valerie entered the Novitiate of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Shortly after her first profession, she achieved a prestigious diploma in advanced piano performance through the Australian Music Examinations Board. In this way, her long‑held desire to be a Daughter of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and a music teacher became a reality.

Her ministry took her to communities across Australia—Bentleigh, Moonah, Queenstown, Adelaide, Leura, and Kensington—where she taught both in schools and privately. Generations of students discovered the joy of music through her patient teaching and her contagious enthusiasm.

Valerie was a gifted musician and a much‑loved teacher. She is remembered with genuine affection for her gentle manner and her ability to relate so well to young people. One former student from her years in Leura recalled how she opened the world of music to many: leading

choirs, founding a school band, and teaching hymns with enthusiasm and joy. Her impact was evident in the steady flow of past students who visited her at St Joseph’s, grateful for all she had given them. When contacted about her death, many responded simply: “We loved her.” Her lovely smile and youthful enthusiasm made every rehearsal feel like a joy. One of her former pupils went on to become first violinist in the Spanish Symphony Orchestra—just one example of the countless lives shaped by her kindness and talent. Valerie could sing and was also honoured to sing in the choir for the 1973 Eucharistic Congress at the MCG.

In addition to her teaching, Val offered an extraordinary musical service to the parish community. She played the organ at Our Lady of the Rosary, Kensington Church for many years, faithfully accompanying the 6pm Saturday Mass. During the 1990s, she visited Our Lady of the Rosary School once a week to lead singing for children from Year 1 to Year 6—a time she loved, and the children loved her in return. Staff still recall placing two telephone books on the chair so she could reach the keyboard comfortably. She practised tirelessly and played for every concert, school event, and religious celebration, including the monthly Children’s Mass. Many later reflected that they simply could not have achieved those beautiful celebrations without her dedication and joyful presence.

Music was truly Valerie’s life. She shared a deep musical bond with Sr Mary Reparata, who encouraged her to pursue formal study of the pipe organ. Valerie practised faithfully, eventually gaining formal qualifications at the age of 61 and becoming a sought‑after organist for weddings, recitals, and choir work. The Conn organ in our chapel—purchased with a bequest from her mother and dedicated to Sr Reparata—remained one of her great joys.

In community, Valerie was a warm and caring presence—deeply interested in others and deeply loved in return. Sisters were continually inspired by her commitment to her music ministry. Every day, without fail, she practised for at least an hour, always striving to give God and God’s people her very best. She loved crocheting, doing crosswords and word games from the daily paper, often engaging in friendly competition with the sisters—usually winning with quiet delight.

Valerie was unassuming and humble. She was hardworking, gentle, with a good sense of humour that made her very easy to live with. When illness meant she could no longer teach or play as she once had, she accepted this with grace. She later moved to St Joseph’s Aged Care, where she was lovingly cared for until her death.

For Valerie, music was not only a talent but a ministry—a way of expressing God’s tenderness and bringing joy to others.

We will always be grateful to the Donavan family for the gift of Valerie to our Congregation. God blessed us abundantly through her long life of faith, generosity, and quiet strength.

Go in peace, dear Valerie, united with the One who now says: “This is my beloved, in whom I am well pleased.”

Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and your beautiful smile.
May your gracious soul rest in peace.

Philippa Murphy FDNSC
Provincial Leader

23^rd January 2026