Biography

FRANCES CATHERINE SHARP

Burial register ID: 11079
Surname: SHARP
First name: FRANCES
Middle names: CATHERINE
Gender: Female
Age: 47 Years
Cause of death: Unknown
Burial type:
Date of death: 09-Jul-1908
Date of burial: 11-Jul-1908

Block: 161
Plot: 17A
Inscription:

on the main monument:-

IN

LOVING MEMORY

SISTERS OF THE CHURCH

RIP

BEATI MUNDO CORDE
(Blessed are the pure in heart)

on gravesite border to the left of the monument:-

SISTER GERALDINE

JULY 8th 1908

AGED 47.

Bio contributor: Gillian Townsley, from “A Venture of Faith: The Story of St Hilda’s Collegiate School 1896-1996” by Judy Mason.

Frances Catherine Sharp, Sister Geraldine of the Sisters of the Church (1861-1908)

Sister Geraldine arrived in Dunedin in 1895 and was the first headmistress of St Hilda’s until her death in 1908. Born on March 12, 1861, at Clayworth, Nottingham, England, she was the daughter of Mary Anne Sharpe and William Sharpe, a schoolmaster. She was baptised Frances Catherine Sharpe, and at the age of 31 she joined the Sisters of the Church. During her time in Dunedin she always spoke of her “dear girls.” She was a gentle woman with a sweet kindly nature which made her a friend to all. Her lively interest in everything around her and her desire to do the best for the school and everyone in it was obvious to all. However, her health was poor and she died suddenly on July 8, 1908 at the age of 47. Her death was a tremendous shock to everyone. Her funeral was held in the school chapel and was attended by girls, parents, friends and the clergy. She was buried in the Northern Cemetery and the Old Girls and staff donated the headstone. Sister Geraldine was greatly missed. She had taught divinity throughout the school and the girls always said that her lessons helped and guided them in their life after school.

There are 1 Interments in this grave:

Surname First names Age Date of death Date of burial
SHARP FRANCES CATHERINE 47 Years 09-Jul-1908 11-Jul-1908