The community of Tenison Woods College, Mount Gambier last week paid tribute to prominent Mount Gambier resident Pamela Anne O’Connor AM (nee Knox). Mrs O’Connor, 86, was a well-known local historian, author, humanitarian, volunteer and Catholic leader in the Mount Gambier community.
In 1974 Pam commenced as a staff member at the College assuming the role of Head Librarian, providing 16 years of service, before moving into a classroom support role in later years. Pam and her husband Brian also supported the College as parents and grandparents, serving the community in a variety of voluntary roles.
Specifically related to the Mount Gambier Catholic parish and Tenison Woods College, Pam was a significant leader who served from 1972 on the inaugural Tenison College Board. This Board oversaw, with the Marist Brothers, the conceptualisation and implementation of the first coeducational Catholic secondary College for the region.
In the 2015 Australia Day Honours list, Pam was recognised with the national accolade, Member of the Order of Australia. It was a fitting recognition for her outstanding volunteer work and her work as a local historian. Among her many books were two featuring Tenison College itself: The Challenge of Change – The Tenison Story and The Marists of Moorak.
Over 1500 staff and students formed a guard of honour following the funeral to recognise her long service to the Catholic community in the South East.
“Pam was an inspirational woman, a keen supporter of the Catholic parish and Catholic Education in Mount Gambier, a long serving staff member of Tenison College, and an enthusiastic historian of the area and Catholic faith tradition in our deanery,” Principal, Mr David Mezinec said.
“The significant contribution made by Pam to the fledgling Tenison College at a critical foundational stage in the College’s history, helped shape the Catholic school community as we know it today.”
To act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8)
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