Trainor, Sister Noreen (Francis Paula) SC, died peacefully at Halifax Infirmary Hospital, Halifax, NS on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at the age of 97. Born in Tyrone (St. Anne, Lot 65), Prince Edward Island, she was the daughter of the late Frank Joseph Trainor and Mae (nee Clarkin). She entered the Sisters of Charity in 1946 and made her first profession in 1949.
Sister Noreen attended Mount Saint Vincent University, receiving her B.SC. in Elementary Education in 1962 and her B.A. in 1969. Sister Noreen was in active ministry for 70 years. She taught school for thirty-six years, beginning in Yarmouth NS, then to Dorchester and Andover Massachusetts; before returning to NS to teach in Halifax, Dartmouth, Terrence Bay and Shad Bay. After retiring from teaching in 1985, Sister Noreen continued serving God for an additional thirty-four years in congregational, parish and hospital ministries. Her ministries included Parish Assistant at Star of Sea Parish, Financial Assistant at the Sisters of Charity PAX House, and Pastoral Ministry for the elderly and the sick at the Samuel Prince Manor and the Victoria General Hospital. For years at Saint Stephen’s Convent she gave generously of her time caring for the communities of Sisters and overseeing daily operations of their home.
Sister Noreen was a woman of deep faith who lived a life of serving and caring for others. She grew up surrounded by many family members who served in religious life as Priests and Sisters. She was admired for her pleasant nature, frankness and honesty. Sister Noreen faithfully took the time to express her gratitude to others for their acts of kindness and generosity.
In addition to her parents, Sister Noreen is predeceased by her brothers Damien and Linus and her sisters Roma, Eleanor McGuire and Genevieve Brophy and stepmother Mary Alice. She is survived by her sister, Sister Myra, OLM, and a number of nieces and nephews.
All services will be held at the Immaculate Conception Chapel, Caritas Residence, 215 Seton Road, Halifax. A Prayer service to welcome Sister Noreen’s body home will be held on Tuesday, April 16th at 2pm followed by visitation until 4:00pm and Vigil Tuesday evening at 6:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 17th at 10:00am. The Funeral Mass will be a private service for Sisters, family and Associates. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at
https://vimeo.com/event/4225897/d4458853a1 . Burial will follow in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville, NS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Charity.
Sister. Oren was my Grade 5 Teacher in Terence Bay. She was a wonderful teacher, so sad to hear of her passing
Oh my gosh, Sister Noreen was indeed my favourite grade 5 teacher at Terence Bay Elementary School. I thank Sister Noreen for all her teachings; she has been a mentor in so many ways especially in my cursive penmanship that I get complemented on throughout my life. After my serious car accident Sister Noreen and Sister Margaret Agnes visited me in the hospital, both their kindness and healing prayers I will never forget. A true angel indeed. Sending love and prayers to Sister Noreen’s family. Pam Conrad (nee Harrie)