Obituary of Patricia (Pat) Anne Nolan

October 15, 1941 - Limerick, Ireland

February 4, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Patricia Anne Nolan of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, February 4, 2022 at the age of 80 years.

Pat was born in Limerick, Ireland, one of eighteen children. When she was sixteen years old, she entered the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood convent in Ballinasloe, County Galway, Ireland. Pat, with the given name of Sister Mary Malachy during her time as a nun, was known to be one of the most affectionate and pastoral nuns in the convent with gifts of knitting and sewing. While Pat was in the convent, she studied to be a nurse and midwife. Although she started her work in England, she was called to Wanky, Rhodesia (which is now Zimbabwe). While there, Pat was often seen flying down the road on her bike in her habit of white to deliver babies. After ten years, she returned to England and continued to nurse until she immigrated to Canada in 1991 where she began her work nursing at the former Colonel Belcher Hospital on 4 Street SW.

Affectionately known as “Auntie Pat” by her family, she was a woman of great strength and patience. She possessed the unique and gentle gift of listening; a gift that drew many to her side to engage in calm conversation. Auntie Pat was loved by all, especially her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews as well as her dear friends. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed at the many Irish family gatherings.

She leaves behind her loving sisters, Rita Bayley, Maureen Doherty (Patrick), Josephine Hope, Philomena Nolan, Geraldine Nolan-Brownlee (Doug), Catherine Weinkauf (Doug), and Rose Nolan. Their dear sister died as she lived, peacefully.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 – 14th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at St Mary's Cemetery. Those attending will be asked to provide valid government identification (with name and date of birth) AND confirm one of the following: (A)Provincial vaccine record with QR code (paper or digital); OR (B)negative COVID test (within 72 hours); or (C)valid medical exemption (signed letter); OR (D)under 12 years of age. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to a charity of your choice.

May the Lord keep you in his hand, and never close his fist too tight.

The family is grateful to the medical and nursing staff at the Rockyview Hospital, Unit 81, and CareWest Glenmore for their care and compassion for Auntie Pat. We will be forever grateful to all of you.

In living memory of Patricia Nolan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.