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Death in our diocesan family: The Rev. Caroline Heath Pearce

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The Rev. Caroline Heath PearceWith sadness we share the news of the death of the Rev. Caroline Heath Pearce, 75, on September 15, 2020.

The first Australian woman to seek ordination in America before the Anglican Church of Australia began to ordain women as priests, Caroline graduated from General Theological Seminary in 1988 and was ordained by Bishop Spong in June 1988 to the Diaconate and in December 1988 to the Priesthood. As a deacon, she served at the former St. Mary's Church in Haledon.

After returning to Australia, she served as a hospital chaplain until women's ordination began, after which she served at several parishes. She retired a few years ago, but was still active doing supply work until February of this year.

Caroline is survived by her husband William (Bill) and daughters Rachel (Ray), Joanna, Alison (Ali) and Kazzia and grandsons Oskar, Theodore (Theo), Felix and Alexander (Xander).

Condolences may be sent to Bill Pearce at 5 Stour Street, Gilberton, SA 5081, Australia.

Good and gracious God, the light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, you sent your servant Caroline to be a priest in your Church to feed your sheep with your word and to guide them by her example; give us the grace to keep the faith she taught and to follow in her footsteps. We entrust her into your unfailing mystery of Love and Hope through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.