Sister Alban was born on 1st July 1920 in Blackburn, Lancashire. She had two older sisters, Winnie and Agnes. At the age of five she started school at the Convent of Notre Dame, Blackburn and continued her education with the Notre Dame Sisters all her school years. She then trained as a junior teacher at the Sacred Heart Training College, Fenham, Newcastle, for two years. After gaining her teaching qualification, she taught in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, for a year. Sister Alban was a gifted infant teacher and also excelled as a pianist and singer.

In 1941 she was present at the Clothing Ceremony as a Marist Sister, of Sister Josepha Brandon who was a close friend.

A few weeks later she returned to Paignton and entered the Marist Novitiate as a postulant. She received the habit of a Marist Sister on 14^th September 1942, and received the new name of Sr Alban; a very appropriate name as her family were staunch members of St Alban’s Parish, Blackburn. Her first profession took place on September 16^th 1943.

After being a member of several Communities, she finally spent many years in Hythe, teaching at St Augustine’s School. She is fondly remembered by past pupils. She was also Church Organist for some years.

When she retired from teaching, she found plenty to do in the community and instructed many converts.

When “Villa Maria” first opened in 1982, as a home for elderly sisters, she spent a lot of time there helping in the kitchen and with various household tasks. When the Villa was rebuilt and the two communities came together to share the chapel, sister was the sacristan for many years.

Eventually sister’s health became a cause of concern and she became a resident in the Villa. She still continued to play her music and remained active for as long a possible.

At the beginning of April, her health was a cause of concern and she was confined to her bed. On the morning of April 19^th a change was noticed in Alban. The sisters and carers kept constant watch at her bedside and on the afternoon of the 20^th April while praying at her bedside, the Lord called dear Alban to himself.

On Tuesday 4^th May, sister’s body was received in the Convent Chapel by Fr. Edmund Hartly, who then presided at evening prayer assisted by Canon J. Cronin.

The following morning, Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at 11:00am, by Father E. Hartly, assisted by Mgr J. Klyberg and Fr Vincent. Father Hartly based his homily on John 4:7 – 12 ‘Let us love one another’. He spoke of Sr Alban and how she lived out this passage of Scripture.

Sr Alban was laid to rest in Hawkinge Cemetery. Father Hartly officiated at the graveside and we bid her our final farewell with the singing of the Salve Regina and the Marist Hymn.

May our dear Sr Alban whom we all love and miss, enjoy the reward of eternal life.