She had moved to Goulburn after marrying a local man and, equipped with experience, applied for a position at the facility, known for its quality care.

"I was successful and Sister Annunciata asked me whether I could start the next day. I had one day's training."

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That was 1978 and Mrs Ohlback stayed for 33 years, mainly working in the palliative care ward, which she loved. Many times she nursed patients in their last days.

"I looked at it like it was their life's end. I'd never let anyone die alone. It was nothing to stay for hours, especially if they had no family."

Mrs Ohlback wasn't the only one to do so, as she reflected at a farewell event on Monday night. A small group gathered to mark the end of 105 years of in-patient care at the facility now known as Bourke Street Health Service. (BSHS).

The 12-bed Marian Unit closed on November 18. Many of its 30 staff have transferred to the redeveloped Goulburn Base Hospital, while others have retired or taken up other positions.

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Monday's farewell reflected on a long legacy of care that started when the Sisters of Saint John of God came to Goulburn from Ireland in 1916 in response to a pandemic. They started Saint John of God Hospital after the catholic church purchased the original onsite home from Anastasia and Frank Kelly.

Marian Unit senior nurse manager John Gale and attendees' toasted the Sisters' contribution with a nip of Irish Whiskey.

He said staff over many years, including nurse unit manager Jenelle Crooks, had continued the Order's ethos. So too had the pastoral care workers who continued after the last Sister of Saint John of God, Sister Eileen Regan, left in 2012.

Former and current long-serving nurses shared their memories at the 'symbolic and reflective farewell.' It included a candle lighting ceremony and a 'bowl of tears' for people's significant memories of people. Those attending also tied written cards on a 'tree of reflection,' to be included in the centenary time capsule buried onsite. So too was a special message from Sister Eileen.

Eileen Woodward started at 'Saint John's' in 1968, taking the place of her sister who left for another job.

"The Sisters showed us the proper way of doing things," she said.

"Sister Boniface made sure everything was done thoroughly."

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The upstairs section was like a nursing home as there was only one aged care facility in Goulburn at the time. Monsignor McGilvray lived at the back of the men's ward.

Mrs Woodward recalled sing-a-longs with the Sisters, one of whom - Sister Ignatius - played the guitar. There were Christmas parties and gifts and a fair share of fun and pranks. She stayed until her retirement in 2017.

"I made a lot of good friends," she said.

"We still catch up every week...It's sad to think about the closure and what will happen to the place. I feel for the staff."

Erin Picker, who nursed at Saint John's for 43 years, echoed the sentiment.

"The workplace was like family," she said.

"I loved every bit of it and I still write to Sister Eileen. Today I have happy and sad memories. It's the best place I've ever worked. You can see from the length of time people stayed. The nuns made it special."

Jane Champion, who has nursed at the hospital on and off since 2009, recalled the "wonderful support" staff had given her after her husband passed away this year.

"I (also) loved the way they delivered care here. It was a lovely, quiet place for people who needed palliative care and I learnt a lot. I'll miss it terribly but they've made space for us at the new hospital," she said.

On hand was former pastoral care coordinator, Barbara Hall. She ran the first clinical pastoral education program with David Oliphant at the facility in 2003. Mrs Hall said it had been a privilege to support families and dying patients.

"(It was about) helping them reconnect with their faith and giving them peace of mind when they're passing away," she said.

Mrs Hall has handed over the reins to Carolyn Campbell. However in recent years she has opened the Southern Tablelands Pastoral Education Centre within BSHS.

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The Reverend Campbell said Monday's event brought a mix of gratitude and sadness for staff.

"It's those memories, as well as the patient care that people hold dear and grieve the end of an era," she said.

"We look forward to whatever it's used for in the future and pray it will continue the fine work."

Ms Crooks told The Post it had been difficult packing up her workplace of the last 17 years.

"It's sad," she said.

"But today has been closure and remembering how hard all the beautiful staff worked. They were the heart and soul of the place. I've put 17 years of heart of soul into here and I'll miss it."

Ms Crooks will take up a position as care navigator at the upgraded hospital in January.

The Canberra/Goulburn Catholic diocese has not decided on the building's use once the Health District's lease expires in early 2023.

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