On November 30, our beloved Sister Annunciata “Nunci” Williamson celebrated 99 years around the sun! We are honoured to celebrate this milestone with such a cherished member of our community.
Born as Barbara Williamson on November 30, 1927, Sister Annunciata “Nunci” Williamson grew up in Jamaica and, like many of our Sisters, attended the Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha” (i.e. Alpha Academy). At 16 years of age, at the encouragement of her parents, she then enrolled in a local commercial college which prepared her for work in corporate Jamaica, where she spent about 2-3 years of her life. Having heard the call to the religious life, however, Barbara decided to enter the Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica’s religious community on September 24, 1949 (the day of the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy), and later pronounced her final or perpetual vows on September 24, 1955 – by which point she had already been given the name of Annunciata.
Most of her life as a Sister of Mercy was spent in the area of education. Sister “Nunci” served at schools across the island such as St. Catherine Prep School, Mt. St. Joseph Academy, Alpha Prep School, Alpha Business College and Alpha Primary School. She also served at the St. Joseph Hospital for a time. Throughout these various appointments, Sister worked in administration (i.e. business or accounting), assisted in the dietary departments at certain schools, and imparted religious education to those who sought admission to the Church. She also lent her musical talents to Alpha Primary School during her final years of ministry.
This year, the Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica celebrated the Platinum Jubilee for our beloved This year, Sister Annunciata celebrated her Platinum Jubilee; marking 70 years as a member of our religious community. This event was celebrated by the Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica through a special charitable donation of US$5,000 to the Ozanam Home for the Aged – a project of the St. Vincent de Paul Society which serves members of Jamaica’s elderly population through the provision of shelter and care. Such a charity aligns closely with Sister’s values and heart for service.
Sister Annunciata now enjoys her retirement in the Claver Home convent where she lives a quiet and peaceful life. Over the years, many Sisters have gone home to be with the Lord and, thus, only seven Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica remain. As such, occasions such as this (where we can celebrate the birthday of a Sister who has been with us for so long), are extremely precious. We hope to celebrate Sister Annunciata’s 100th birthday with her next year!
