Ms. Fanny Mary Alfreda or “Queenie” as was fondly called by her father Dr. Alfred Wright of Galle was born on the 19th of June 1884. Her mother Barbara de la Harpe died when Queenie was just five years old, with a younger sister and two brothers. They were fortunate to have a 2nd mother who really loved them.
Queenie was of course the ‘apple of her father’s eye.’ Mischievous from her very young age, she was full of fun and frolic, radiant and exuberant. She was also fond of following the fashions of the day and of pretty clothes. She studied at Sacred Heart Covent, Galle and the holy and devoted nuns of her school influenced her to awaken to a deeper call within her. When she announced to her family of her desire to enter religious life all were quite taken aback. Yet her father being a God fearing man did not object.
To her great disappointment she could not gain admission to the existing congregation. She had no idea of founding a new congregation or of meeting any apostolic need. Her only desire was to consecrate herself to God. There was an ‘ardent desire’ on one side and a ‘firm refusal’ on the other. She approached the Bishop of Galle Most Rev. Joseph Van Reeth S. J. who was very close to the children of the vicinity. The Bishop came to Sri Lanka with the intention of starting an indigenous congregation as he knew the contribution the indigenous clergy can make to the people of God. These 2 elements gave our beloved Father Founder Bishop Van Reeth S.J. food for thought and reflection. The outcome was the founding of our Congregation of which Queenie became the first member.
Mischievous as she was, even though her formators found her not serious enough to be a religious, she persevered herself as a ‘lonely one’ for nearly a full year. She had a strong determination beneath her fun and frolic. She received the holy Habit on 25th July 1903. Completing her initial formation she made her First Profession 15th July 1905.
This live wire was compelled to retire in 1936 due to illness. After a short holiday in Tangalle she suffered a spinal injury as a result of a surgery and was brought back to Ganegama, never to leave again. She still continued to be cheerful and kept using her nimble fingers to produce dainty articles for sale to help the congregation. Her cheery words and witticism continued even from her wheel chair. Suffering from cancer, she requested the Superior General, not to give her any pain killers saying that she desired to offer all her suffering for the Church and for the younger members of the congregation.
After her first profession she taught at Sacred Heart Convent Galle and soon became a ‘hot’ favourite among the pupils. While being a lively teacher, full of fun, she was also a good disciplinarian. When the 1st house was opened in Ganegama she too was chosen by the Father Founder to be a pioneer. There she taught at St. Anthony’s English Mixed School and was the Head Teacher for some time. She became the 1st Principal of St. Therese’s Girls’ English School, Elpitiya, in 1925. There they began teaching in cadjan sheds and gradually built up with the efforts of Rev. Fr. Van Austen, Mother Cecilia and Sr. Aloysius.
On the 9th of November 1963 she offered her life to God saying
"Into Thy Hands I commend my spirit"..."Jesus"... "my Mother Mary".