By Martha Louis – EMTV News, Madang
A Memorial Service was held yesterday (June 17) at Malala Catholic Secondary School in Madang Province in honour of Sr. Jane Frances Millane who passed away on June 6th.
Sr. Jane Frances served in Madang since 1962 and contributed to the province’s education system, not only in teaching but also in policy-making. The Madang community at Malala and the provincial administration held the service to recognise her efforts in PNG.
The Memorial Thanksgiving Mass started at 10am yesterday at Malala Secondary School in the Bogia District of Madang Province. Former students, fellow Catholic faithfuls, members of the provincial administration and the Malala community attended the service. The service included traditional dances, song and worship and dedication prayers to honour Sr. Jane Frances’ life, including her contribution to education not only Madang, but throughout PNG.
Sr. Jane Frances was born in April 1930 in Fairfield, United States, to a family of five siblings. She came to PNG in 1962 and began her first assignment to establish a teachers training college for Alexishafen in Madang. In 1969, she attended a Diploma course at UPNG; teaching English as a second Language, where she was also offered a job by the education department to write curriculum books. In 1971, she returned to Malala where she served. She started enrollment with 338 boys in four forms.
For many who had known her, she had the vision described as wide as the horizon. She was an influential role model for those who crossed paths with her. She passed away at the age of 88 on June 6, 2018.
The Madang Provincial Government presented K20,000 to Malala Catholic Secondary School. The money will go towards assisting the school, as an appreciation of Sr. Jane’s contribution to education in Madang Province.
