PORTLAND — Margaret Theresa Wallace of Portland loved working with babies when she was a nurse in Mercy Hospital’s maternity ward.

“She was always talking about the babies,” said her daughter Nancy Wallace of Portland.

Mrs. Wallace died Saturday at St. Joseph’s Manor. She was 83.

She was born in Portland and attended St. Dominic’s Grammar School and St. Joseph’s Academy before going on to graduate from Mercy Hospital’s School of Nursing.

“She loved her nursing,” said Nancy Wallace.

Mrs. Wallace was a hard worker. After she retired from her career as a nurse, she volunteered at McAuley’s Good Cause Thrift Shop in Portland, which sells affordable clothing, home furnishings and other used goods.

She retired from the thrift shop when she was 80.

In addition to being passionate about nursing, Mrs. Wallace was a devoted Catholic, and spent much of her time supporting Catholic education.

“Her faith was of utmost importance to her,” said Nancy Wallace.

Mrs. Wallace was a dedicated member and a longtime communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Portland.

She and John Wallace got married at Sacred Heart, and her burial service will be held there Thursday.

The couple’s two daughters, Nancy and Patricia Wallace, said their parents were “lifelong sweethearts” who would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on Aug. 28.

Even while she suffered from the mentally debilitating Alzheimer’s disease, Mrs. Wallace always remembered and recognized her husband, said Patricia Wallace.

“She would always just light right up when John walked in,” she said.

Her family was an important part of Mrs. Wallace’s life.

“She took care of family members and was always there for the birth of their babies,” said Patricia Wallace.

Nancy Wallace said their mother treated everyone as if they were family. At St. Joseph’s Manor, she had an excellent rapport with the staff and endearingly called them all “Lovie.”

“Mom had such a great relationship with the workers at St. Joseph’s that when she was in her final days, even the cleaning staff was coming in to check on her,” said Nancy Wallace.

In addition to her husband and two daughters, Mrs. Wallace is survived by a son, John Wallace. Her family said she will be remembered for her dedication, faith and kindness.

“She loved everybody, and had a smile for us all,” said Nancy Wallace.

 

Staff Writer Max Monks can be contacted at 791-6345 or at: mmonks@pressherald.com