A SPECIAL lady who devoted her life to the church and others has passed away at age of 89.

Sister Helena was born Norah Logue to a large family in Port Glasgow.

She joined the Franciscan congregation in Glasgow in the late 40s and made her profession on February 11, 1950.

For a large part of her life, she lived in Greenock, where she spent many years caring for Bishop Stephen McGill in his retirement.

Later in life due to ill health she went to live in the convent at St Teresa's in Glasgow.

Fellow nun Sister Loyola paid tribute, saying: "She was a very friendly and practical person who could turn her hand to virtually anything. She was as happy painting walls or watching football on TV as she was doing the most intricate of crochet work. 

"Ill health brought her to the convent here at St Teresa's where she became a very familiar sight in her wheelchair. Many people here commented on her youthful look and the peace and serenity she communicated to everybody.

"Hers was a very close and loving family and she would have been happy to know her family were at her bedside, with the Sisters, when she died in Glasgow's Royal Infirmary."

Her niece, retired depute head of St John's Primary Agnes Simpson, said: "She was a very devoted and quiet person but she did have a good sense of humour.
"She was very caring, thoughtful and kind."
Sister Helena's funeral service will take place tomorrow at St Teresa's Church, 86 Saracen Street, Glasgow, at 10am.
Her nephew Father Hugh Hanley, also from Port Glasgow, has travelled from Ireland and will officiate. All welcome to attend.