Sister Mead entered the Sisters of Mercy convent in 1955.
During her career, she played, sang and composed a large body of work. Mead wrote and produced multiple plays and liturgies. She is credited with more than 20 musicals. And she also led the St. Aloysius College orchestra for many years.
She was honored as South Australian of the Year in 2004. And has received many awards, including the Golden Gospel Award for her services to Australian Christian music.
Her music was sometimes called controversial. And online commenters on her death pointed out that the sister was a pioneer.
According to Peter from Australia, “Her music and those of Ray Repp, and others, during that time brought people to church and feel the spirituality. The music was not stifling, and the young people were willingly involved. We still talk about how that was a great time for Mass, and we wanted to go. The church music of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s is still remembered. Nobody remembers the church music of today. God bless SJM. “
