News

Sr Petra Keller, the oldest Oakford Sister in South Africa, celebrated her 95th birthday in grand style.

Mass celebrated by parish priest Fr Vusi Mazibuko OMI was followed by celebratory coffee and chocolate cake, and violin music played by Maria Moffett.

An accomplished violinist, Sr Petra qualified as a music teacher, holding two Trinity College Diplomas.

She taught music to generations of schoolgirls at Oakford, Greytown, Virginia, Manzini and Empangeni, and played the organ at parish celebrations of the eucharist.

Sr Petra spent many happy years at Empangeni where she was greatly loved and from where she retired to Villa Siena, Pietermaritzburg.

During the years Sr Petra held several offices in our Congregation. She was house superior, regional councillor and general councillor.

Wherever she served, she never lost sight of her love for music - no matter where and no matter what office she held over the years.

A refugee during the Second World War in Germany from what was Upper Silesia, Sr Petra and her family eventually found their way to Bavaria. Her violin having accompanied her all the way!

Text Sr. Alison Munro OP