Patricia "Patty" Wallace
October 1, 1949 ~ October 19, 2026
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, Michael, 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.
Services
Visiting Hours: Sunday, November 8, 2026 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral, and Gathering Center
300 Allen Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103
Portland, ME 04103







Dear Nancy and Wallace Family,
Deepest sympathy to you for losing such a bright light. She was a light of Christ to all who met her, with her sparkle and humor and good cheer. It has been a pleasure to know her and to witness the love shared through her and with her.
I am so sorry for your loss. Patty was one of a kind. I loved her like a sister. We worked in the birthplace together and she was my angel. I will never forget our friendship. She was the brightest light around. She is with her family and watching over her family that she cherished.
Patty was a Mercy Hospital Pillar.
So sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. Patti was the kindest most sincere person I knew. Her smile lit up the room. Bev Bridges
Patty was wonderful person and an even better nurse. She was the true essence of what a Mercy nurse is. My deepest condolences to all who knew her and loved her.
Absolutely the sweetest person. I will miss seeing her truly bright presence. Our world lost a really good one. Much love to the family. 💜
I am sorry for your loss, growing up in Sacred Heart we all knew each other. I remember Patty being one of the older kids. I also meet her at Mercy . She was just a wonderful person.
Nancy , God must of needed a another angel! Remember she is in a better place.
RIP
Kathy O’Toole
Dickinson, TX.
Deepest sympathy to all Patty’s family. Patty was so kind and genuine, a truly exceptional nurse; possessed a very dry sense of humor. Positive and upbeat! We worked together on 5 th floor StateSt Mercy , maternity in early 80,s;
took a fun camping trip; attended many Mariner hockey games. Such a huge loss to family and all who knew her- 🙏rest in eternal peace.
Patty will always be remembered for her gentle yet determined presence and she is missed by so many nursing friends. God bless you sweet Patty.
Nancy – I’m so very sorry for the loss of your sister. I will lift you and your family in prayer. I pray that all of your sweet memories with her will comfort you.
Patty was a nurse colleague in the Birthplace at Mercy hospital. For 15 years we worked side by side. She was a bright light, caring for her patients. She was a friend to all and left a lasting impression. I have many fond memories of her and her presence, then. My sincere sympathy to her other friends and her family. ✝️ Blessings
28 years ago, Patty was my labor and delivery nurse. Her quiet, supportive presence was so appreciated and she stayed after her shift was supposed to end to be there for the birth of our second child. A terrific nurse and a loss to the Greater Portland community.
I had the opportunity to know Patty in a professional and spiritual way. I knew Patty at Mercy Hospital. She was an excellent nurse and had true understanding of nursing. I was present when she won the Sr. Consuela award and she always exhibited the true essence of what a true Mercy Nurse”
I also had the honor of knowing her at Sacred Heart/St Dominic’s where my family and her sister and parents went to church. She was a role model to my young son. She taught him to be an alter server, Eucharistic Minister and serve on the parish council. I am forever grateful for her presence in our lives.
I want to share my condolences to Nancy and the rest of her family and friends.
Rest in peace you have done God’s work. You will be missed
I’m so sorry for your loss, Nancy. You and Patty and your parents were one of the first families that I met at Sacred Heart. Your warmth, humor and acceptance meant so much to me. My love and prayers go out to you.
I knew Patty at Mercy She was always calm and weathered all the storms nursing can bring,! She so loved her family and dog. I would see her over the years at church and dinners Always upbeat! May you be at peace Patty🙏🥰