Wallace, Helen (Francis Agnes), SC, died peacefully at Caritas Residence in Halifax, NS, on May 19, 2026, at the age of 98.
Sister Helen was born on November 13, 1927, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the daughter of Francis “Frank” and Corinne (Lawlor). Sister Helen entered the Sisters of Charity Halifax in 1946 and made her first profession in 1949.
Sister Helen had a deep sense of curiosity and vibrant imagination from birth. Her early years were spent at home on Jubilee Rd., listening to witty banter and stories around the family table, most notably from her father, Frank, an Advertising Agent who wrote slogans and jingles for advertisements by trade. The love and creativity instilled in her by her parents inspired Sister Helen to pursue a career in Education, so that she, too, could become a master storyteller and mentor to others.
She earned her B.A. in 1955 and her B.Ed. in 1962 from Mount St. Vincent University, and in 1972, she went on to graduate from Columbia University in New York with an M.A. in Special Education.
Sister Helen devoted her life to education, pastoral ministry, and advocacy for those most in need. She was a dedicated teacher in Halifax, serving at St. Joseph’s Orphanage, Saint Patrick’s Convent, St. Peter’s Convent, and St. Stephen’s Convent, where she became especially known for her compassionate support of students with learning disabilities.
Her ministry later expanded across Canada as she worked in pastoral care and counselling in parishes throughout British Columbia and Alberta, including a maximum-security prison for men in Edmonton, where she brought dignity, encouragement, and hope to those often forgotten by society. She later returned to Nova Scotia to serve at the Carmel Centre in New Waterford and St. Vincent Convent in Glace Bay.
Sister Helen loved reading and writing stories for her students. She shared children’s stories throughout her ministry in schools, inspiring wonder and joy in young readers. Her passion for teaching continued into her later years, and at 97 she was still tutoring newcomers to Canada and helping them learn English.
Throughout her life, Sister Helen advocated for justice and people on the margins, supporting the underprivileged through community programs that reduced violence, promoted positive communication, and supported unhoused individuals.
We remember Sister Helen with grateful hearts for her strength and spirit. She will be remembered for her love of a good story and her unwavering dedication to causes close to her heart. Strong-willed and spirited, Sister Helen approached life with courage and authenticity. She was a one-of-a-kind fighter: feisty and passionate. She also loved a good joke, as evidenced by her unforgettable laugh whenever she was delighted with something. May she now rest in the peace and comfort of God.
In addition to her parents, Sister Helen was predeceased by her brothers Frank and Roger Wallace, her sisters Corinne Napier and Nora “Agnes” Allin. She is survived by her many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, who affectionally knew her as “Aunt Honey.”All funeral services will be held at the Immaculate Conception Chapel, Caritas Residence, on June 1, 2026. A Welcoming and Vigil service will begin at 9:30am, with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am.
The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/5955926/f5d9608adc?fl=so&fe=fs .Burial will take place in the Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville, immediately following the Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Charity.