Alice Whelan (Sister Patrice) (circa 1927)

Alice Whelan was born in Sept. 1915 in Oughterard Co. Galway.  She was the sixth child of Jack and Mae Whelan.  She had five sisters – Elsie, Moira, Kathleen, Agnes and Carmel, and two brothers – Jack and Paddy.  Alice came to America with her family in April of 1927, living at 32 Albany St. in Albany, NY.

Alice graduated from Vincentian Institute (VI), then entered the convent joining the Sisters of Mercy as Sister Mary Patrice.  Alice spent much of her 66 years in the order serving as an educator.  She served as both teacher and principal at several Albany area schools including Blessed Sacrament, Saint Margaret Mary’s, VI, Saint Agnes’, and St. John’s.  Alice also earned a Masters degree from Siena College and established the Early Childhood program at Maria College.

Alice died on April 21st, 2000 at the age of 84.