Sister Mary Anne Nuce was a principal, prioress

Published: November 30, 2018

Sister Mary Anne Nuce, OSB, a teacher and principal for 46 years, died Nov. 7. She was 86.

She was born Anna Maria Nuce in Pocahontas to William and Lula Nuce. While attending Holy Angels Academy in Jonesboro, she entered the convent in 1948. She professed her first vows in 1950 and final vows four years later. She originally received the name Sister Mary Hildegard but later chose Sister Mary Anne.

She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Sister Mary Anne served as a Catholic school teacher and principal in both Arkansas and Texas for 46 years. When she retired from education, she served in pastoral care at St. Bernards Medical Center and was then appointed as subprioress in 1999.

Sister Mary Anne was elected and served as prioress for two terms from 2005-2011. She then went back to pastoral care, as well as serving on the community council and as a tutor for Blessed Sacrament School in Jonesboro. Sister Mary Anne played the organ at schools and parishes, including Holy Angels Convent.

She is survived by three sisters, Margaret Weyer, Emma Jeanne Gschwend and Frances Sinnot.

A visitation and rosary were held Nov. 11 at Holy Angels Convent. A Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 12, with internment at Mount Olivet Cemetery at the convent.