By Lorna Ramirez
The joy of giving and sharing is no stranger to Patricia Roulston, known to many as Nanay Pat. She is loved and respected by her families and friends.
Nanay Pat was born on 17 March 1927 (Saint Patrick’s Day) in Cebu, Philippines. She worked as a domestic employee for an American consulate in the Philippines. When her employer was transferred to Australia on 10 November 1969, she went with them, a widow at the time leaving behind her children.
Nanay Pat was born on 17 March 1927 (Saint Patrick’s Day) in Cebu, Philippines. She worked as a domestic employee for an American consulate in the Philippines. When her employer was transferred to Australia on 10 November 1969, she went with them, a widow at the time leaving behind her children.
After a few years in Australia, she met and married Edward Roulston, who unfortunately passed away years ago. Her daughter Nina then joined her here in Australia. Nanay Pat was able to help finance the education of her children, grandchildren, and relatives in the Philippines.
In January 2004, Nanay Pat started the nine-day novena of Santo Niño, hence leading to the culmination of Sinulog, a festivity popular in her hometown Cebu. Since then she hosts Sinulog annually in which all are welcome to attend, followed by the sumptuous meal after the Mass.
In December 2004, she was one of the original founders of the first Saturday group in Cairnlea, and to date, members are joining from other western suburb communities. Father Rolyn Vics, the parish priest of Geelong often visited her on a Monday for a morning Mass, attended by a few friends.
I asked Nanay Pat her secret to long life, and with a sweet and infectious smile she replied, “My love and faith in God, being surrounded by loving families and friends, my positive outlook in life, and being active are the reasons for what I am today.”
As a token of appreciation for her generosity, her friends helped her organise her 90th birthday celebration on 25 March.
