Sister Margaret Lancaster, one of the original hearts and hands behind Mary Potter Hospice, died recently in Sydney. We take this moment to honour a woman whose compassion shaped the care thousands of people in our community have received for more than forty years.
If you’ve been part of our Hospice whānau as a supporter, donor, volunteer or advocate, this story involves you too.
A pioneer who helped build something enduring
As a member of the Little Company of Mary, Sister Margaret was part of the small, determined group of Catholic Sisters. They believed that every person deserved dignity, comfort and humanity at the end of life. This was long before hospice care was widely understood.
By 1979, her leadership helped establish New Zealand’s first hospice, Mary Potter Hospice. And from those early days, through to her role as an advisor to our Board, she never stopped championing palliative care. Especially care that was free, local and people-first.
We once described her as “a rebellious spirit with determination.” Those who worked alongside her will tell you that’s exactly right.
Her courage laid foundations that continue to guide us every day.
Her values live on – in you and in every act of care
Even as people come and go, our values remain steady. That’s because of Sister Margaret, but also because of you.
Every conversation you help make possible. Every moment of comfort our teams can offer. Every whānau who feels supported during the hardest chapter of their lives.
All of it is part of the story she began.
The reason her legacy continues is because people like you choose to stand with us year after year. Your generosity keeps hospice care free of charge, close to home and wrapped in humanity, just as Sister Margaret intended.
You are not just a supporter. You are part of an unbroken thread stretching from those early days in the 1970s through to today.
A leader who cared deeply and always personally
Sister Margaret had time for everyone. She checked in on staff, offered wisdom when it was needed and held space for people doing hard, tender work. She even promised to use her “direct line upstairs” for good weather during outdoor fundraising events. This included a humble reminder that anyone can pray.
Her humour, faith and practicality grounded our Hospice in purpose.
Honouring a life spent in service
In 2016, Sister Margaret was recognised in the New Year Honours for her outstanding service to our community. This reflects a lifetime of mahi that touched countless families.
As we celebrate her life, we also celebrate the community that carries her mission forward. That includes you.
We invite you to share your memories and stories
If you have a story about how Mary Potter Hospice has touched your family, we would be honoured to hear it. You can share it with us at marketing@marypotter.org.nz, where it will be held with care and added to our reflections as we remember Sister Margaret.
Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai rā e te rangatira. Rest well, dear leader.
And to you, our supporters, thank you for helping ensure her legacy continues to unfold every day.