News Archive 2006

Sister Joan Timpany died peacefully at home in Palm Beach on Monday night, aged 79.

She lived on Waiheke for 11 years and is survived by her own sister in life and Christ, Sister Clare.

A nun in the Order of Our Lady of Compassion, also known as Sisters of Compassion, Sister Joan touched many Waihekeans’ lives, including churchgoers at St Peter’s Catholic Church, and elsewhere.


During her retirement on the island she got involved with groups such as Care and Craft, and Probus alongside time spent visiting the Piritahi Marae and taking communion at Seaside Sanctuary.

But the wider community was where she rose to fame as the first New Zealand woman to hold the position of chaplain at a maximum security prison.

The work at Paremoremo Prison, in Auckland, saw her gain a special place in the hearts of its inmates with many referring to her simply as “mum”. It also rewarded her with the bestowal of a companion of the Queen’s Service Order (QSO) for community service.

Sister Joan’s retirement to Waiheke, in 1996, followed 10 years at the prison and a nursing career spanning 35 years as part of her religious calling. But she made such an impression on some of Paremoremo’s inmates that more than one tracked her down to say “hello” after leaving prison.

Sister Joan enjoyed walking and praying on the beach with her sibling Sister Clare — a constant companion.

The Onetangi Beach Races were a not-to-be-missed favourite, combining her love of beaches with a passion for horses arising from a childhood surrounded by them.

She also loved dancing and a special tea dance was held in her honour at Palm Beach Hall, in March 2004, to celebrate her Golden Jubilee.

In an interview with Waiheke Marketplace, two years ago, Sister Joan said her time at Paremoremo had been a highlight in a life that was about seeing Christ in everyone and loving even the most deprived.

“I wish peace of mind and soul for everyone, tranquillity, and a purpose of life,” she said.

Written by George Gardner - this obituary was first published in the Waiheke Marketplace community newspaper, 2 August 2006