Sister Olivia Scully
July 18, 1928 ~ March 21, 2025
Born in:
Ballykilty, Killeagh, County Cork, Ireland
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Pauline Hannah Scully 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. On entrance into the novitiate, she received the name Sister Mary Olivia and in 1950 made professions of religious vows.
S. 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 S. Olivia taught at St. Mary’s, St. Anthony’s, Holy Spirit, and Presentation South schools and in Langdon 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. She also contributed to the work of several local and national councils and committees serving religious, social and educational needs.
Whatever her official assignments, S. Olivia was always a gracious and uplifting influence on the people—young and old—whom she encountered. In her last years, dementia took it’s 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.
S. 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 S. Elizabeth, OSF; and nephew, Martin.
Services
Prayer Service - Thursday: March 27, 2025 7:00 pm
Riverview Place Chapel
5300 12th St S
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-4700
https://www.chilivingcommunities.org/locations/north-dakota/riverview-place
Visitation - Thursday: March 27, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Riverview Place Chapel
5300 12th St S
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-4700
https://www.chilivingcommunities.org/locations/north-dakota/riverview-place
Funeral Mass - Friday: March 28, 2025 10:30 am
Riverview Place Chapel
5300 12th St S
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-4700
https://www.chilivingcommunities.org/locations/north-dakota/riverview-place
Visitation - Friday: March 28, 2025 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Riverview Place Chapel
5300 12th St S
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-4700
https://www.chilivingcommunities.org/locations/north-dakota/riverview-place
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May she rest in peace.
Sister Olivia had the most beautiful heart and smile. I was so blessed our Good God brought her into my life. I don’t know if you got to go straight to heaven Sister (In my heart……I bet Jesus and Mother Mary held your hands and took you straight there!) As you see their beautiful faces, please remember to pray for us Sister Olivia. You are in my prayers Sister Olivia, just in case you made a quick stop in purgatory. Thank you Sister Olivia for your love and prayers and kindness.
Debbie Henke
George Lacher She was my second grade teacher wonderful lady and religious.
We loved Sister Olivia so much! She attended many of our family gatherings (sad and joyous)… she and my mom shared a special bond! After she left Cheyenne River, we would call and visit on her birthday. We made a couple trips up to Fargo to visit her. Such a kind and loving person who devoted her life to serving others! 🥰🙏🩷 We have so many fond memories of her… she is spoke of and remembered often!
Sr. Olivia was part of Presentation Partners in Housing (PPIH) during the last few years of my tenure as Director there. Probably 2009 to 2013. She assisted me with home visits for clients who became more long term. She was kind, patient, joyful, and really listened to them. She created a space in which prayer with them, if they wished, was open. We also laughed a lot together and I miss her.
From the Kavanaghs; James, Sara, Sarah, Isobel, Hardy, Kit, Lily, London UK
Sr. Olivia & Msgr. Nilles hired me while I was finishing up my senior year at MSU to pilot the Kndg program at St. Mary’s Cathedral School – she was the first principal I worked under, & oh my, did she set the bar high! She was always so gracious & kind. Her genuine smile was contagious. She loved doting on my triplets sons & later, my grandchildren, when we would come to visit at the convent – how she loved children! Rest in peace, dear Sister. You have been loved & will be missed..,,
How blessed we were to know Sr. Olivia. A true example of “Doing What Needs To Be Done”. Mom loved her deeply and she was an important person in mom’s life.
We will continue to carry Nano’s Lantern in your memory, Sr. Olivia. Not words, but deeds!
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilis.
What wonderful memories of Sr Olivia and her sister coming back to Ireland every 4 years to visit. We had out day with the nuns where we all gathered for tea and goodies and received gifts from the convent.
The laughing and jokes between my dad Tossie and Sr Olivia went on all day. She was a very special lady who laughed all day long.
May the gates of heaven be open to you and you are re united with your family once more xxx
Fond memories of Sister Olivia visiting our home on her visits home to Ireland. She lived a very fulfilling life. May she rest in peace.
Heaven has gained another beautiful saint in Sister Olivia!! She was a gentle, patient, kind, loving teacher when I knew her at Holy Spirit School. She dearly loved all the children, and they loved her! In later years, when I joined the Associates, it was always a joy to see her at the meetings, and we had many good “remembrance” conversations! Rest in Peace, dear friend.
Kathy Sornsin Boucher
Rest in Peace,
Michael A. Grinney
A beautiful lady. Kind, gentle & so warm. Lovely memories of you from childhood & especially our last meeting ❤️ Fly high, you are all together again. I will hold your letters close forever.
Rest peacefully xxxx
Rest in peace, Olivia.
She was a wonderful person and a dear friend. I worked with her during her ministry with the pastoral team in Eagle Butter SD, White Horse and Promise were her people. She loved them dearly.. They loved her to. We had many good times playing dominos, games, special birthday trips to Dairy Queen and just working together. I will never forget her kindness to our people. Judy Lemke, Lantry SD
To the family of Sr. Olivia,
This Easter week we celebrate the joy of the Risen Christ and the joy of feeling she is with HIM. I was privileged to attend St. Anthony’s School in the 60’s; she was our principal, but she surely didn’t stay in the office. She was a presence everywhere in the school. Always with kindness and interest in each and every one of us. I am sorry I missed the funeral as I would have liked to have been there to celebrate her life. She was special.
Jackie Wright Rosson, 1964