Vale, Karen Quitt

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our much-loved colleague and friend, Karen Quitt.

Karen was a cherished member of the St Joseph’s Elsternwick community. She first joined our school in 2005 as a parent, before becoming a valued member of staff in 2015, a role she held until taking leave in 2024 following her diagnosis.

During her years as a parent, Karen was an active and dedicated contributor to our community through the Parents and Friends Committee, including many years as President. She worked tirelessly to bring people together and to celebrate all that makes St Joseph’s special. She was well known for her legendary cake stalls, her generosity of spirit and her ability to make everyone feel welcome.

St Joseph’s was such an important part of Karen’s life, and she, in turn, became an important part of ours. She understood the heart of this community, that it is built on kindness, connection and care for others. Even after her children had grown, Karen continued to give so much of herself to the life of the school. Her warmth, humour and commitment enriched the lives of her students and colleagues alike, and her legacy will remain woven into the story of St Joseph’s.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Ric, Alexandra, Cameron and Daniel at this time of profound loss. 

May Karen rest in God’s loving embrace.

A Prayer for Karen

Loving God,

We thank You for the gift of Karen’s life, for her warmth, her kindness, and her deep care for others. We are grateful for the joy she brought to our community and for the countless ways she shared her gifts with love and generosity.

Please comfort her family and friends, and all who mourn her loss. May we honour Karen’s memory through our own kindness, our laughter and our care for one another.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.