By Tony Cranney
We are told there are only three things in life that last—faith, hope, and love, with the greatest of these being love.
Maggie Cranney has been blessed with an abundance of each of these, which has translated to a lifetime of hard work and charity as she devotes her life to the church, her family and the less fortunate in the community.
On 6 July the active member of St Joseph’s Church Como/Oyster Bay for 40 years will be presented with a Dempsey medal by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP at St Mary’s Cathedral in recognition of her distinguished services to the church in the archdiocese and particularly for her contribution to the parish of St Joseph Como-Oyster Bay and the local community.
Born in Cairo and moving to Australia as a child, Maggie serves her parish as a minister of the Eucharist and is on its “Cuppa Tea” committee (every parish needs one). She also takes communion to home-bound parishioners every week.
She runs a busy home, as a mother to eight adult children and grandmother to 12.
Besides caring for some of her grandchildren a couple of days a week, Maggie runs the Seechange charity shop in Jannali each Wednesday, starting early in the morning to pick up donations from the local Coles store for distribution to those who are struggling to put food on the table.
Each Thursday night Maggie collects the leftover stock from Bakers Delight at Miranda Fair which again is given to struggling families, bringing much joy and relief which also reminds our brothers and sisters in Christ they are not forgotten and won’t be left behind.
Maggie was a very active member of the St Vincent de Paul Society for more than 20 years including terms as president of the local conference and a number of special works. Her dedication, compassion and care along with her infectious smile has made her well-known and much-loved throughout the Sutherland Shire and beyond.
Maggie is one of the most talented and hardworking people I have ever known, and she is definitely the most humble and modest person I have met.
Don’t tell her I said it, but she is a magnificent cook and cake maker and can make a wedding dress from scratch.
But what I admire most about Maggie is her faith and devotion, putting her Christian faith into practical actions of love while offering up all her time and efforts to honour the Lord.
A few years ago, Maggie helped establish the Graham Evo Memorial Team which collects, stores and delivers donated furniture and white goods to the poor. Often these families have nothing.
So far we have delivered more than 250 lounges and 130 fridges and washing machines as well as many dozens of tables and chairs, microwaves, tallboys, televisions, coffee tables, beds, and more.
Maggie is not just on the committee or doing the paperwork but has helped to collect and deliver the majority of these, loading and unloading the ute with the help of her children or friends.
She turns the houses of the poor into real homes, often telling a mother to get up off the floor and sit on her new (second hand) lounge with her children, or to stop sleeping on the floor and lay in her “new” bed—bringing the recipients great joy and relief.
These meetings often end in in hugs and tears.
Maggie sets an amazing example for her family and friends. She is shy and ever-humble and never seeks thanks or recognition—but an anonymous parishioner supported by our parish priest Fr Jerzy Chrzczonowicz nominated Maggie for the award.
Words cannot describe how proud Maggie’s family and friends are of her and how much she is loved.
Maggie you certainly deserve the recognition of this prestigious award for a lifetime of humble service to your family, church, your Lord and those less fortunate in the community who have been touched by an “angel.”