Farewell Noreen

Many across the diocese may have a crotched blanket on their bed or couch that was given from the Blanket Buddies in Bundaberg.

On September 26^th we farewelled one of our parish’s beloved daughters, Mrs Noreen Plath, founder of the Blanket Buddies, during a funeral Mass that celebrated her life of 79 years. Sometimes special people come into our lives and make a difference by being themselves. Noreen exemplified the stewardship way of life by using her talents, time and treasure to serve others. Noreen was a woman after Mary McKillop’s heart: never see a need without doing something about it, or as Fr Terry Stallard, presiding priest, suggested: “don’t find an excuse, find a way.” Noreen’s way was trusting in God.

Noreen’s strongest gifts were praying, singing and crocheting. One would never be done without the other. She prayed through song; she crotched while praying; she sang as she crotched, and so on!

I include here the article Noreen wrote for our 2018 parish magazine about her beloved Blanket Buddies. Noreen started this parish ministry in July 2011 with three ladies. More than 40 people now call themselves Blanket Buddies.

“We have encouraged anyone interested to join for fellowship and learning to crochet or knit.  It has become a group of women who care not just for those in need but for each other as well. As the founding member my goal was and is to never find anyone either cold or in need. Over the years we have reached out with nearly 7,000 blankets plus beanies, scarves, premy baby needs, and shawls for nursing homes. We have taken the Angel Group under our canopy of love by providing groceries on the first Wednesday of each month to help those in need. We donate cash to other charities and blankets to St Vincent de Paul, Cancer Council and Impact. We raise money for wool by manning sausage sizzles at St Patrick’s School, BBQs at Shalom College, raffles at Spotlight. Some generous parishioners donate cash. We always have wool on hand.

With God’s help we will continue with our Dreams and Visions not forgetting any one in need, and always listening for those in need of our ministry. Every stitch is a stitch of Love.”

Noreen’s dream has been made a reality.