Obituary of Sister Nancy Wales
Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ
The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada is saddened to announce the sudden death of our beloved Sister Nancy Wales, at the Residence of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 485 Windermere Road, London, Ontario, on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
Nancy was born on February 3, 1948, in Windsor, Ontario, and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on July 1, 1968. She is remembered with deep affection by all her CSJ Sisters; her sister Marguerite (Peg); sisters-in-law Patricia Wales and Virginia Pearson; niece Shannon, and her fiancé Eric Hartman. She was predeceased by her parents, Catherine (Kay) Walsh and Bruce Wales, siblings Mary Lynn, Tom, and Robert, and her dear friend Sr. Jean Vogelsang.
Sister Nancy trained as a teacher and began her ministry in education at DeSantis Elementary School in Windsor and later at St. Bernadette’s in London. In 1981, she moved to Yellowknife, where she taught at St. Patrick’s High School. For the next 23 years, Sister Nancy became woven into the life of the community – serving on Parish Council, supporting the parish in Dettah, taking part in prison ministry, organizing youth weekends, joining Boy Scouts activities, and even leading the 5th Yellowknife Beaver Colony. Her generous service to education was recognized in 2005 when she was named a distinguished contributor to the Yellowknife Catholic School Board. Upon her retirement from teaching in 2003, Sister Nancy was elected to the Leadership Team of the Sisters of St. Joseph, serving for two terms. Her commitment to social justice and community service remained steadfast throughout her life. She was a volunteer at Community Living London, a board member of Daya Counselling Centre, and Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre. Within the Congregation, she chaired the CSJ Website and the Donations Committees, was a member of the Federation Ecology Committee, the Pilgrim Associate Group, and the Companions of Cordial Charity Online Group. Most recently, Nancy was again elected to Congregational Leadership and was filled with anticipation and excitement for what lay ahead. Nancy will be remembered for her warmth and her deeply non-judgmental spirit—qualities that made everyone in her presence feel loved, welcomed, and at ease. All services will be held at the Residence of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 485 Windermere Road, London. Visitation Wednesday, November 26, from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Thursday, November 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
The funeral Mass will be livestreamed at www.csjcanada.org/funeralnw. Expressions of sympathy or donations to support the works of the Congregation in memory of Sister Nancy Wales may be made at www.csjcanada.org.
