Patricia "Patty" Wallace

Patricia Frances Wallace, R.N.

Portland – Patricia Frances Wallace, R.N., passed away on October 19, 2026, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Patty was born at Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine, on October 1, 1949, to John P. and Margaret McFarland Wallace. She graduated from Cathedral High School in 1967 and the University of Southern Maine in 1972 with a degree in history. She worked for the Portland Police Department in the Detective Bureau for a time before pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. In 1980, she graduated from the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing with her R.N. degree.

Patty worked at Mercy Hospital for over 40 years before retiring. During her time at Mercy, she received the prestigious Sister Consuella White Award and was also recognized as Employee of the Year. She pursued her Clinical Pastoral Education while at Mercy and became a lay chaplain. Following her retirement, she served as a lay chaplain at St. Joseph’s Manor and Rehabilitation Center, where she spent time with residents, praying with them and offering comfort through her quiet presence.

A lifelong Catholic, Patty volunteered for many years as a sacristan, Eucharistic Minister, and lector at Sacred Heart, St. Dominic, and Cathedral churches. She also assisted with funerals.

Patty enjoyed living at Deering Pavilion, where she and her dog, Punkin had many friends. She enjoyed participating in activities and assisted at weekly Mass as a Eucharistic minister and lector. One of her favorite pastimes was having lunch and holding court with her special table of six, which included Fr. Emile, Fr. Norm, Richard, Jay, and Bob. Her positive attitude and dry wit always contributed to the conversation. Patty had a special way of engaging with people and making them feel valued and loved.

She was predeceased by her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Patty is survived by her sister, Nancy Wallace; her brother, John Wallace, Jr. (Linda); her beloved nieces, Meghan Langella (Andrew), Ashley (Isaac), Rachel, and Mary Elizabeth Wallace; her very special great-nephews, who were the light of her life, Jameson Wallace Langella and Jackson Aube Langella; her special great-niece, Margaret Wallace-Bruns; and her aunt, Madelyn Wallace. She also leaves several close cousins with whom she shared special bonds and whom she valued dearly.

Her family would like to thank Fr. Jack Crabb, S.J., and Greg Dube, her longtime friends from Mercy, for their continued friendship over the years and encouragement during her illness.

The family would also like to thank the staff at the MaineHealth Cancer Center, especially Crystal, who always had a smile and a joke; Megan, Ashley, Meredith, Alyssa, and the many others who always listened and lovingly cared for Patty. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Christopher Tretter, who gave her hope and always made her feel important.

The family also extends special thanks to the Northern Light Home Hospice staff, especially Joe, Tara, Steph, Angie, Kristen, and everyone who cared for Patty. They always treated her with dignity and love and are truly a special group of people.

A special thank you is also extended to Vicki, whose help was invaluable, and to Patty’s prayer partner, Sr. Maureen.

Patty’s Mercy friends held a special place in her heart and never forgot her. She was equally grateful for the people at Deering Pavilion who made each day enjoyable, including Sr. Carol, Angel, Joanne, Wendy, Lisa, David, Sue, and the many others she interacted with, too numerous to list. Special thanks also go to David and Tom, who were always willing to help whenever needed.

Visiting hours will be held from 3–6 PM on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the new Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral & Gathering Center, 300 Allen Avenue, Portland. Prayers will be recited at 10 AM on Monday, November 9, 2026, followed by an 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, 217 Landing Road, Westbrook, ME 04092; Mercy Hospital c/o Chapel Fund (please write “Chapel” in the memo line), 175 Fore River Parkway, Portland, ME 04102; or Holy Cross Advancement Missions Center, 480 Washington Street, North Easton, MA 02356.