PORTLAND – Sister M. Nola Wells, aka Sister Mary Vincent, 88, of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, died peacefully Dec. 4, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Manor. Sister Nola, as she was called, was born in South Portland, daughter of Patrick and Margaret Julia Sloan Wells. Sister Nola attended elementary school in South Portland. She graduated from Cathedral High School, Portland, and in 1940 entered the Sisters of Mercy from Holy Cross Parish, South Portland. Her higher education began at Our Lady of Mercy College, Walton Street, Portland, a forerunner of St. Joseph’s College, Standish, from which she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree. She also received a certificate as a radiologist technologist in nuclear medicine from Augusta General Hospital, Augusta, as well as a Master of Science degree in environmental health. Sister Nola also had the opportunity to study at University of Minnesota; University of California, Berkley; Fordham University, New York City; Loyola University, Montreal; National Science Institutes at Colby College; and Notre Dame, Indiana. Sister’s 27-year teaching ministry began at the elementary level and included St. Dominic’s, Portland; St. Mary’s, Biddeford; St. Joseph’s, Lewiston; Sacred Heart, Portland; Holy Cross, South Portland; and St. Athanasius, Rumford. Sister Nola also taught on the high school level at Cathedral High School, Portland; and John Bapst High School, Bangor. Sister Nola was on the staff of Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., in the area of nuclear medicine before joining the staff at St. Joseph’s College, Standish, as an instructor and in the external degree program. Sister Nola enjoyed being an active member of SURGE, a community program for pre-retired and retired religious sisters. It was during this time that she whole-heartedly prepared for the annual fall fairs. “Sister Vincent’s fudge” as well as her delicious walnut and carrot cakes were always a big hit! Sister’s special project was raising money for her beloved Little Diamond Island, a camp for girls, where the residents of St. Elizabeth’s Home as well as other girls enjoyed the summer months. It was there that she hosted lobster bakes and directed a number of ecology programs for children. Sister Nola was also a member of Little Diamond Island Association, bringing her happy spirit to all she met. In addition to her parents, Sister Nola Wells was predeceased by a sister, Louise Abata; and a brother, Lawrence Wells. She is survived by her sister, Rita and her husband, Ben Benoit, of Maryland; a niece, Suzanne Malone of Virginia; a great-nephew, Daniel Malone; a great-niece, Megan Malone, both of Virginia; and several cousins. Visiting hours will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday with a prayer service beginning 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Convent, 605 Stevens Ave., Portland, where a concelebrated Mass of Christian burial will be held 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the chapel with the Most Rev. Richard J. Malone, Th.D., officiating. Those desiring may make a memorial donation to the Sisters of Mercy’s Retirement and Ministry Funds, 605 Stevens Ave., Portland, ME 04103. Arrangements respectfully handled by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com.
SISTER MARGARET NOLA WELLS, RSM
