A Tribute to Sr. Ann-Marie Webb sm RIP
by Luisa Severi  In 1964 , as a twelve - year - old - Form 1 student at Cerdon College I had my first encounter with a woman, soon to be a teacher, whom I would never forget and who had an enormous influence on the rest of my life. Her name at that time was Sister Gerard Majellan.
The name intrigued me immediately and her physical beauty left me thinking…she’s too gorgeous to be a nun, all wrapped up in that garb” Well, how wrong was I in my juvenile thinking! Not only did she live her life in the true Marist spirit as a Marist sister, but lived on to become a highly loved and respected Principal of two Marist schools. She was also highly regarded as a great Educator, with vision, spirit and unfailing energy and enthusiasm till the end of her life.
On hearing of her death on 2nd September I was greatly shocked that the illness had consumed her so utterly and so swiftly. There was no time for visits or for a final good-bye or thank-you. However, as I drove to Hunter’s Hill on Friday 5th September to attend her Requiem Mass, my heart heavy with sorrow, all those beautiful memories of Sister Ann-Marie and of my years at Cerdon came flooding back. They were like a final prayer of thanksgiving and farewell.
I was not surprised to find that St Joseph’s Chapel was packed with mourners. The mood was solemn and prayerful and yet there was an underlying feeling of joy and unity. In her passing Sister Ann-Marie had brought together the five branches of the Marist family, as well as the many past and present students of Cerdon and Woolwich.
My last encounter with Sister Ann-Marie was in April, at Woolwich when she hosted a beautiful morning tea for those attending the Marist Laity Pilgrimage. I will always remember her excitement when she presented us with beautifully made, exquisite cup cakes and everyone was so impressed. Her final words to the Pilgrims reflected her great support of Marist Laity and its role in continuing Mary’s work in the world.
Sister Ann-Marie Webb lived her life fully in the Marist spirit, her enthusiasm was infectious. I will remember her as a beautiful, strong, intelligent woman of great substance and character. An inspiration to us all. May she rest in peace.
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