Sister Patrick Rose Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Nichols

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sister Patrick Rose Elizabeth “Betty” Nichols, Congregation of St. Joseph, 90, died Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, S.D. Betty (Sister Patrick) was born May 21, 1921, at Woodstock, Minn., to William H. and Alice (Kreager) Nichols. She graduated from Verdi Consolidated School in 1938 in Verdi, Minn. Sister Patrick entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in St. Paul in 1948 and took her final vows on Aug. 15, 1953. She graduated from the College of St. Catherine in 1957 and later received a master’s degree from Marquette University in 1964. Her ministry as a Catholic school teacher and administrator included schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Graceville, Le Center and Stillwater. In 1972, a sabbatical year in Brainerd led to a teaching position in the Brainerd Public School System which continued for 20 years. After retirement, Betty returned to Elkton to be near her sister Maxine and they enjoyed many years together and traveling together to many different places.
Sister Patrick is survived by her sister, Maxine Nichols, Brookings, S.D.; six nephews; one niece; many grand and great-grandnieces and grandnephews and the Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Paul. She is preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Morris “Mike” Nichols.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Elkton, with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Elkton, with a Scripture Service at 7 p.m.
www.skrochfc.com