Sr. Mary Ward (Mary of St. Edmund Canterbury) FMM, of Ein Karim Community, died on January 13, 2014 at St. Antoine Residence, N. Smithfield. Born in Fall River and growing up in Newport, RI, Sr. Mary was born March 1, 1930, the daughter of Robert J. Ward and Helen M. Tuke. Although she was friends with religious sisters of several congregations who were also her teachers, Mary recognized a call to be a Franciscan Missionary of Mary and found her way to Fruit Hill, entering September, 1947 together with a lively band of five others, singing, praying and working their way to diverse missionary fields.After obtaining her teaching degree and making her final vows in 1954, Mary was missioned to Liberia where she taught Biology, directed sports and acted as a house-mother for students in St. Theresa's Boarding School. From 1965, Sr. Mary returned to the USA to pursue her Master's at RIC and later, her Ph.D. at Fordham University in NY.When she returned to Africa, in 1972, it was to Ghana where she taught Embryology and Histology in the Ghana Medical School. All the time in Africa, Sr. Mary could be seen riding a motor scooter with her white helmet over her veil, smiling, energetic, and exuberant. In addition to her professor's position, she was involved in social work in the nearby inner city of the capital, Accra.Returning to the USA in 1985, Sr. Mary was involved in teaching science, community leadership, mission work in the Southwest, finances and driving. Finally, in St. Antoine Residence, Mary loved to visit and talk with residents and workers. She shared her experiences and vocation as an FMM cheerfully with others. She was devoutly prayerful and read much, liking to combine theology and spirituality She was a great fan of Franciscan Sister Illia Dellio's books. Sr. Mary is survived by several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, Jan., 15, 2014, from 4-8 p.m., with a Wake Service at 7 p.m. in the Holy Family Chapel, 399 Fruit Hill Avenue, North Providence; Funeral Mass at Holy Family Chapel, Thursday, Jan., 16, 2014 at 11 a.m. Funeral arrangements by Russell J. Boyle and Son. For online condolences, please visit: www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com
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