On 16 April 2008 St Joseph’s Church in Upper Hutt was filled to capacity to celebrate the life of Sister Mary John Bosco Fraser. Marie Fraser, the daughter of the late Mary and Courtney Fraser, was born and educated by the Sisters of Mercy in Reefton. Marie Fraser chose John Bosco as her religious name when she was professed as a Sister of Mercy in Wellington in 1953.
For many years Sister John Bosco taught in Catholic primary schools in Hataitai, Naenae, Upper Hutt, Reefton, Westport and Kilbirnie and later she was an English language tutor at Hato Paora College, Feilding.
Sister had a great love for teaching, spending much time in detailed preparation of her lessons which she presented with energy and enthusiasm. Until recently she was tutoring children on a one-to-one basis at St Joseph’s School Upper Hutt.
She delighted in seeing her pupils improve and gain a sense of achievement. They were always aware that she cared about them and was really interested in each of them as individuals. She was generous, compassionate and had a deep love for those less fortunate. With the assistance of the St Vincent de Paul Society she made certain that all the pupils in the school were provided with all the items of school uniform.
Sister John Bosco had a deep personal relationship with God and a special devotion to St Joseph. She described her relationship with God as like two ballroom dancers or skaters moving as one.
She is remembered as a loving sister to her brothers and their families, a loyal friend, a dedicated teacher and faithful religious.