Stewart, Sister Helen “Nellie” (Marie Alexis) – 80, died in QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, on May 26, 2012. Born in Vancouver, BC, she was the daughter of the late John Stewart and Flora (Johnson) Stewart. She entered the Sisters of Charity – Halifax in 1950 and made her religious profession in 1953. She received a B.A. from MSVU, M.A. from Seattle University, Washington, and a Certificate in Librarianship from UBC. Sister taught for 46 years beginning in Cape Breton, NS, Halifax, NS, and thirty-four years at Notre Dame High School, Vancouver. She also served as vice principal of St. Mary School, Westlock, AB and principal of St. Helen Elementary School, Burnaby, BC. After retiring from active ministry, sister tutored for 8 years. She moved to Caritas Residence, Halifax, NS in 2012. She enjoyed physical activities and spent leisure time running, cross country skiing and golfing. Sister Nellie was predeceased by her brother John and her sister Mary Trujillo (Tony). She is survived by her sister, Joanne (Victor) Wainwright, Victoria BC and her brother Alex, Vancouver; her niece Theresa Szabo and nephews, Greg and John Wainwright as well as grand-niece Jacquelynn and her grand-nephews, Christopher and Adam. The wake will be in Caritas Residence, with visitation Wednesday, May 30 from 6:00 – 8 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 am May 31 in Immaculate Conception Chapel, Caritas Residence. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville.
Sisters of Charity-Centre
215 Seton Road
Halifax, NS B3M 0C9
communications@schalifax.ca
Phone: 1-902-406-8077
A former student of S. Helen Stewart left the following phone message: “Sister was my teacher from Grades 6-9 at Oxford School. She was a wonderful teacher and influence. She was in Halifax for Chapter one year and we had a wonderful visit together. I also became a teacher due to her encouragement and influence and remember her fondly.”