July 18, 1928 – March 21, 2025
Pauline Hannah (Sister Olivia) Scully died March 21, 2025 in Fargo, ND. She was born July 18, 1928, in Ballykilty, Killeagh, County Cork, Ireland. She attended Kyle National School near her home and received her secondary education at Presentation Convent School in Youghal, County Cork.
In 1948, she crossed the ocean to enter the Presentation Convent in Fargo, ND. On entrance into the novitiate, she received the name Sister Mary Olivia and in 1950 made professions of religious vows.
Sister Olivia attended Sacred Heart Junior College. She earned her baccalaureate degree at the College of St. Theresa and her master’s degree at the University of Notre Dame.
In Fargo, Sister Olivia taught at St. Mary’s, St. Anthony’s, Holy Spirit, and Presentation South schools and in Langdon, ND at St. Alphonsus School. After serving two years as principal at St. Anthony’s, she filled that role for over ten years at St. Mary’s School.
During the years 1964-1977 and 1983-1989 she ministered in administration of her religious congregation.
At various times, in addition to her teaching and administrative responsibilities, she worked with children at St. John’s Orphanage/Villa Nazareth. From 1990 to 2008, she served as a pastoral minister on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in the communities of White Horse, Swiftbird and Promise. Enduring friendships testify to the impact of her prayerful presence on those with whom she served.
Over the years, she was active in summer and week-end religious education programs. She served on Friendship Board of Directors and had an enduring love for the ministry of that organization. Whatever her official assignments, Sister Olivia was always a gracious and uplifting influence on the people—young and old—whom she encountered. In her last years, dementia took its toll on her wit and mental acuity but never eroded her innate cheerfulness and constant concern for the welfare of others. “Love” is a word frequently heard when people speak of Sister Olivia.
Sister Olivia is survived by the members of her religious community; nieces Celine, Olivia, Mai, Pauline, Carmel, and Margaret; nephews Gerard, Kieran, Shane, Alphonsus, Eamon, David, Brian Peter and their families; and many other relatives in Ireland.
She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Margaret Lincoln Scully; brothers David and Edward; sisters Marjorie Smiddy, Theresa Devrick and Sister Elizabeth, OSF; and nephew, Martin.
Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, ND was in charge of arrangements.