Palliative care pioneer Sister Margaret Noone dies at the age of 91

Sister Margaret Noone AM, a driving force behind Australia's first children's hospice, has died at the age of 91.

Noone was the first employee of the Victorian-based Very Special Kids, which provides palliative care for children and young people.

She retired in 2002 but continued her work with the organisation as a patron.

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The 91-year-old died peacefully today surrounded by loved ones and the Loreto community.

Noone was the driving force behind Australia's first children's hospice, a dream which became a reality in 1996.

"When I was first advocating for the children's hospice to be built, I felt like a voice crying out in the wilderness," she said at the time.

"It was the women who stood by my side, they helped make this possible.

"Collectively, we acknowledged a need and pushed until change happened."

Very Special Kids said Noone was "beloved by our staff, volunteers and the families we care for".

"Above all else, everything Margaret did was for the children and families," the charity said in a statement.

"She led Very Special Kids until her retirement in 2002 and remained very active in her role as patron until the end of her life.

"We will remember Margaret for her generosity, strength, determination, faith, warmth and wit.

"Her legacy will forever live on in the work of Very Special Kids.

"We will honour Sister Margaret's life at a public funeral service in the coming days, with details yet to be finalised.

"Our thoughts are with Margaret's family, friends and the countless people whose lives she touched."

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