Noreen Boyle was born and raised in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, the third child born to John and Martha Boyle. Sister Nadine had a younger brother and sister and an older brother and sister. Her only living brother resides in Florida. She recalls having had the gift of a 12-year Catholic education with the Sisters of Mercy. After graduation she worked for three years and played basketball in an industrial league and softball on a team that traveled the east coast. Great friendships came from those sports connections. Some of those women she is still in contact with today. She made her decision to enter the convent, only to be greeted by family and friends with the response … “it’s about time that you decided to do this!” She has never regretted her decision.
On September 8, 1957, Norine Boyle entered the Sisters of Mercy at the Mount St. Mary Convent, Watchung, NJ. On that day 65 years ago, 34 young women entered with her. Four sisters have since died, with others choosing to return to secular life. At present there are 8 sisters from her original band who still remain in the Mercy order. Through her years of ministry in Catholic education, Sr. Nadine taught children at St. Francis of Assisi School in Metuchen and was one of four “pioneer” sisters at St. Matthias in Somerset. She has served as principal at Our Lady of Victories School in Sayreville, Holy Family School in Hazlet and both teacher and principal here at Sacred Heart School. She recalls each assignment as a special blessing.
