Sister Marie Walker

In 1921 when I was about 4 or 5 we went to live near Albany on a dairy farm. I went to school for a while and then took correspondence lessons. In 1930 I won a Repatriation Scholarship for Albany High School. I passed my junior there in 1932.  In 1933 I had a year off school due to illness and in 1935 I finished my leaving, but due to an accident I did not gain enough subjects. I didn’t bother gaining the other subjects as I was getting too old (19-20) so I did a crash course in typing and shorthand. I was lucky to get a job when I finished in an office.

I worked there until 1941 when I joined up for clerical work in the RAAF in world war two, just before the Japanese invaded Pearl Harbour and I was not discharged until January 1946, so consequently I spent five years in the RAAF. I enrolled in Perth and then I was sent to Melbourne to do the Rookie training. I came back to Perth, then was sent to Sydney for a while then to Townsville for a while.

I was there when the war ended staying on to close up the office I was in. Then back to Perth to our barracks officer who was to discharge me and help me get another job. I was asked if I wanted to be rehabilitated, but said no.

I wanted to do teaching but as usual I was getting too old but eventually, I did decide on teaching as this was something I always wanted to do. I entered Victoria Square. There I taught cooking to the primary school children, also music, speech, typing, and shorthand. I also taught handicapped children for years after doing a course.

In my late twenties I became a Sister of Mercy and travelled down south to the motor mission, teaching children religious education in Bridgetown, Nannup, Donnelly River, Greenbushes, Balingup and later taught at Bridgetown High School. I was attending 5 or 6 schools and visiting parents in those districts as well. I had other sisters helping me as well.

At the present time I am residing at Catherine McAuley and help one of the sisters in the nursing home with her meals. I find this rewarding and I have always loved helping people.