Sr Grace Cini
Sr Grace was born on 11 April, 1942 and after a very fulfilled life passed away on 10 February 2024. She passed away on the feast of St Scholastica who appropriately is the patron saint of education. Sr Grace was a Franciscan Sister of the Heart of Jesus who devoted her whole life to children and their education.
Sr Grace came to Warrawong in 1964 and spent 53 years at Warrawong as a teacher, catechist and many other ministries at St Francis of Assisi School and Parish. She spent 53 years in the convent near the school before moving to the St Joseph Convent next to St Patrick’s Port Kembla when the order closed the Warrawong convent due to the small number of sisters who were still in Australia.  Sr Grace was a valued member of the school staff and taught many of the parents and grandparents of the students currently at the school. She never forgot a face or name and would often spend time sharing memories with ex-students she would meet while out and about.
As a teacher, Sr Grace taught many classes but particularly loved the students in the sacramental classes. Sr Grace had to step up and take on the responsibility of Principal in 1980 until a new sister could be sent. Sr Giovanna took up the reins, and Sr Grace and Sr Giovanna spent many years together in the convent and working side by side in the school.
Sr Grace was the heart and soul of the school community and loved by all.
Sr Grace was also a valuable assistant to new migrant families who needed her knowledge and assistance. When talking to people who have memories of the school the first memory is always about Sr Grace. She was well respected and loved in the community and will be missed by many.