Mary Norberta Ward

Sister Mary Norberta Ward, RSM the former Elizabeth Eleanor Ward, age 91, died Monday, November 19, 2012 at McAuley Convent in Merion Station. She was predeceased by her parents, Richard J. and Bridget Griffin Ward, her brothers Richard and Martin, and her sister Mary Agatha Ward. She is survived by nieces and nephews. She attended St. Stephen School and graduated from John W. Hallahan High School. A member of Hallahan's Basketball Team (1935-39), she maintained strong ties with her teammates, one of whom was with her as she died. During her teaching career, she enjoyed coaching grade school basketball teams. Sister professed her vows as a Sister of Mercy in 1942. She spent 38 years in elementary education, teaching in schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, in Richmond, VA, and in Springfield, OR. She was principal of Annunciation School in Havelock, NC. She earned a B.S. in Education from (then) Villanova College in 1952. In 1952-55 she taught at Saint Barbara Day School (Philadelphia) and spent summers at Saint Coletta (WI) and the Archbishop Cushing Educational Clinic (MA) studying methods for teaching children with developmental disabilities. In 1980 Sister returned to Hallahan and for over 20 years worked as staff in the Student Services office. In September 2003 she moved to the Convent of Mercy where she spent mornings as a receptionist at the main door. In the fall of 2011 she retired to McAuley Convent where she engaged in the ministry of prayer. She enjoyed watching college and professional basketball games on television and discussing strategy and statistics. She was a big fan of Coach K and his Duke University team. Services for Sister Mary Norberta will be Saturday, November 24 at the Convent of Mercy Chapel, Merion, with a viewing from 10:00 -11:00 am followed by the Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in the Community Cemetery. Contributions in Sister Mary Norberta's memory may be sent to the Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community, 515 Montgomery Avenue, Merion, PA 19066.