Sr. Carolyn Nicolai FSP

Sr. Carolyn Nicolai, FSP, was born April 16, 1940 in Teaneck, NJ to Marie and C. W. Nicolai. She had a sister, Marie, who was married to Jim Wyble and they had five wonderful children, Daniel, Kenneth (K.C.), Carolyn, Janet, and Mark.

Sister grew up in Ridgefield Park, Bogota and Kinnelon, NJ. She graduated from Butler High School in 1958 after which she attended Miller Secretarial School. Once she was skilled in secretarial work, she was employed as a secretary in NYC until 1960. It was then that she entered the Franciscan Sisters in Peekskill, NY and began a life of service that spanned 65 years.

Sr. Carolyn earned a BA degree in Spanish and Education at Ladycliff College, Highland Falls, NY and an MA in Religious Education at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY.

During her early years of ministry Sr. Carolyn taught in several Catholic elementary schools in New York and New Jersey. Though she loved teaching, she also felt called to minister to the elderly in the Kennedy Residence, Pompton Lakes, NJ and Bethany Residence, Wayne, NJ. In addition, she served as Pastoral Associate in St. Nicholas Parish in Passaic, NJ.

It was in 1989 that Sr. Carolyn moved to Arizona and was a Pastoral Associate in St. Joseph’s Parish, Winslow, AZ. After a few years, she served the Yaqui and Tohono Oodham Tribes in St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Tucson. In 1994 she became Diocesan Director of Pastoral Ministry to Nursing Homes ministering with Fr. Angelo Mastria, O.Carm for twenty years. In 1996, Sr. Carolyn received the Employee of the Year Award from Catholic Community Services of South Arizona.

Prison ministry was also very near and dear to her heart, as she volunteered in prisons for over 20 years and later as a mentor to women who were released from prison. During those years Sr. Carolyn was deeply committed to standing with those on the margins. After Sr. Carolyn retired from active ministry in 2015, she continued serving the elderly and mentored the women she grew to love very much.

She spent her final years at Atria Bell Court Gardens Senior Living where she formed many meaningful friendships and created a ministry of prayer and presence among the other residents. Sr. Carolyn often said that “time was the most precious gift a person could give to another.” She rejoiced in the many friends she encountered throughout her life as a Franciscan Sister of Peace and was filled with gratitude for all those who shared their time with her assisting her in so many ways throughout her life, especially in her elder years.

Music was always a part of her being and she loved singing and playing her guitar which gave her much pleasure. Like St. Francis she loved animals and cared for them kindly throughout her life.

Sr. Carolyn believed her life as a Franciscan Sister of Peace enabled her to minister to others through teaching, music, pastoral care and a quiet presence. She hoped to be remembered as a caring and giving person who loved people, animals and music.

After a brief time on Hospice at The Center Nursing Facility in Tucson, Sr. Carolyn died peacefully on December 14, 2025 no doubt hearing her Lord say, “Come to me you who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest!”

Sr. Carolyn is survived by her nephews Kenneth (K.C.), and Mark, her niece, Carolyn, several grand-nieces and many cousins whom she loved very much along with her Franciscan community.

A Mass of Resurrection to celebrate her life will be held in St. Pius X Parish, Tucson, AZ on Friday, January 2, 2026. The Most Rev. Gerald Kicanas, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Tucson will preside assisted by Rev. Thomas Kreiser. A Mass will be celebrated with her Franciscan Sisters of Peace at a later date at Marian Woods, Hartsdale, NY. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Yonkers, NY immediately following the Mass.