Celebrating Eleanor Roderick's 25 years of dedication as she retires from St John of God Health Care

4 Oct 2024

Photo: L: Tara Peters, Chief Mission Integration Officer, R: Eleanor Roderick

As Group Manager of Pastoral Services, Eleanor Roderick prepares to retire after an extraordinary 25-year career with St John of God Health Care, she reflects on the words from her childhood that have shaped her dedication to the organisation’s values.

“Growing up in the rural west of Ireland with five brothers in a small cottage, my parents would share daily mantras as we left for school and returned home,” she recalls.

“They’d say, ‘Leave your door open, as there is always someone on the outside who needs to come inside,’ and ‘Make sure you always set an extra chair at the table, as there will be someone who needs to be fed.’”

Years later, her parent’s wisdom has guided her work at St John of God Health Care, resulting in a lasting legacy of compassion, leadership and impact on caregivers and patients alike.

Eleanor’s journey with St John of God Health Care began in 1998 when she became the inaugural General Manager of Murdoch Community Hospice. During her nine years in the role, she was instrumental in transforming the hospice into a sanctuary of hope and healing for patients with life-limiting illnesses. Her passion for creating spaces of dignity and comfort became the cornerstone of her career.

In 2008, Eleanor transitioned into pastoral care, focusing on the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of caregivers and patients. She pioneered a contemporary pastoral model, fostering collaboration and professional growth across hospitals and services. Her work was driven by a belief in the power of presence and “walking with others during their most challenging moments,” as she describes it.

One of Eleanor’s proudest achievements is developing a comprehensive bereavement support model and expanding pastoral outreach beyond the organisation, in partnership with universities and other Catholic providers. Her contributions to advancing pastoral care were recognised in 2016, when she received the Catholic Health Australia Pastoral Award.

Throughout her career, Eleanor has faced her own personal challenges, including a health diagnosis in 2021 that gave her new insights into the patient journey she had supported for decades. Despite this, Eleanor’s resilience and strength have remained unwavering, and she now retires to focus on her health, family, and personal passions.

She recalls a poignant comment shared by a patient once shared with her - “The dates on a tombstone, from the beginning to the end, are important, but what truly matters is the dash between those years. It’s not about what we own, but how we live, love, and spend our ‘dash’.”

As Eleanor steps into this new chapter of her life, she leaves behind a lasting legacy — one defined by a deep commitment to care, a pioneering spirit, and the ability to touch lives in meaningful ways

Eleanor’s parting advice is simple yet profound: “Show compassion and respect to everyone you meet. Look out for each other, nurture one another, and remain connected. Through authentic connection, you will foster new growth and live life to the fullest.”