Anaise Nolen

Anaise Nolen (nee Monahan) of Media, PA passed away peacefully on January 26, 2020.  Cherished daughter of the late Frank Monahan and Rae (nee van Paris) Monahan of Philadelphia, PA.  Beloved wife of Raymond J. Nolen, Jr. and loving mother of Raymond III, Terrence (Amy), Patrick (Deborah), Kevin, the late Colleen, Michael (Diane) and Mary (Billy).  Adoring grandmother of Kate, Raymond IV, Laura, Jack, Maggie, Jake, Liam, Emily, Lindsey, Drew, Flynn, Aidan and Claire.

Anaise was born on September 8, 1940 and raised in Philadelphia, graduating from Cecilian Academy.  She met the love her life working at Sears & Roebuck, where he charmed her into becoming Mrs. Nolen. He spent 58 years as her adoring husband.

Anaise, who raised her family in Drexel Hill, had 7 children in 9 years, and claimed there was a ten-year period of her life that she didn’t remember. But she did remember bringing home the groceries and the snack food disappearing before she was even done putting the rest of the groceries away.  Whenever a child would run in and announce a disaster or momentary crisis, she would take a deep breath and say, “Whatever.”  It was her way of deciding not to sweat the small stuff, the spilled milk, for there was a lot of spilled milk over the years.

She suffered the loss of a child, Colleen, who was 15 years of age, enduring that unbearable pain, but her goal was to ensure that joy and laughter returned to the home.

During that whirlwind of raising her family, Anaise made sure they were each individuals, helping them find their own special gifts and talents.  She supported them in all of their goals and activities, including standing up to the nay-sayers.  It was a loud and boisterous family that she loved dearly.

She continued that practice with her 13 grandchildren, forging a special relationship with each of them and truly expressing her joy every time she was in their presence. The only thing she liked better than family holidays and get togethers was to talk about them again the next day.  These holidays included epic Easter Hunts, killer card games, and competitions of all sorts that culminated in trophies and prizes. The family notes that laughter was a regular visitor in the household.

Anaise loved the arts, including books, films and theatre. She had a special affinity for quilting and needlepoint and a passion for Bridge. She was a lifelong learner, attending Bryn Mawr College once her children were grown.  A proud Democrat and feminist, she was ahead of her time when it came to bucking the system or standing her ground. While she was gentle, she was also firm. In matters big and small, she never rushed to judgement.  After a lengthy pause, she would oft reply, “Let me think about it.”  But her true art was her curiosity, her wonder in people, her ability to listen thoughtfully and without judgement.  She will always be remembered for her kindness.

The family invites you to a memorial and celebration of Anaise’s life on February 8th at Springfield Country Club, 400 W. Sproul Rd, Springfield, PA. Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am with a lunch to follow.  For those unable to attend the Memorial Service, a visitation with family will be held at 9 am. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be sent to The Vanguard School, 1777 N Valley Rd, Malvern, PA 19355, where grandson Liam is a student.