Nationality: Irish
Congregational Register No. 5
D.O.B. 10.02.1917
First Profession 08.09.1942
Died: 20.06.2002 Aged: 85 years

Born in Dublin, Caroline (Carrie) Nichols met Mother Mary before the congregation was founded. Indeed she is regarded as a founding member, with Sisters Magdalen and Patrick.

In 1936 Carrie was part of the group of women who went to the Benedictines in Glenstal for formation in religious life, in return for housekeeping duties. After eight months, she was sent to London to train as a nurse in Dollis Hill Hospital. In 1940, following her training, she returned to Ireland. Although she was badly needed in Africa she was unable to travel. It was wartime in Europe and all civilian transport was suspended. She completed her novitiate, taking the name Sr. M. Immaculata, and completed her midwifery training in Dublin.

Finally, in 1945, Sr. Immaculata was assigned to Nigeria. She spent her early years in Anua and Afikpo, and later in Use Abat. In total, Sr. Immaculata spent twenty-one years in Nigeria, only returning home to Ireland in 1966 because of ill health.

Back in Ireland, Sr. Immaculata spent her time between Bettystown and Drogheda, nursing part-time in the hospital. In 1970 she was assigned to USA and Pope John XXIII Seminary in Weston, MA. She loved her time in the USA but had to return to Ireland in 1973 because of health problems. For a time, she did part time nursing, and then took over the stamp department for nearly twenty years. This fund-raising activity brought her into close contact with many benefactors. It was through this work that her Circle of Prayer ministry evolved.

She coped with several health issues. She loved writing letters but eventually had to use a typewriter because of arthritis. In her last years she had a team of Sisters typing letters for her Apostolate of Prayer with elderly, housebound people all over Ireland. Her natural talent for storytelling and writing was well used in this ministry!

Sr. Immaculata was hospitalized in 2000 and joined the Áras Mhuire community in 2001. She died in Áras Mhuire on 20 June 2002 and is buried in Drogheda.