Aston, PA — Sister Marie Bernard Howard, OSF, died in St. Ann Convent, Tacoma, on July 31. She was eighty-two years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for fifty-eight years. Sister Marie Bernard (Nora Theresa Howard) was born in Waterford, Ireland. Prior to her entrance into the congregation in 1946, she completed her high school education at Sacred Heart of Mary Convent in Ferrybank,Waterford. Sister Marie Bernard ministered in elementary education and in healthcare. Her leisure activities included reading, taking nature walks, tutoring, visiting and keeping in touch with friends, and going to the beach.

Sister Marie Bernard began her years in ministry in California. She taught at St. Edward School in Corona, (1948-1949) and Our Lady of Guadalupe School in San Diego (1949-1952, 1953-1954).

Sister Marie Bernard ministered for twelve years in the Diocese of Baker. She studied to be an X-ray technician at St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton and worked at the hospital from 1954-1959. She ministered at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Baker from 1959-1966.

Sister Marie Bernard ministered for forty-one years in the Archdiocese of Seattle. She worked at St. Joseph Hospital from 1966-1999. She taught students in the hospital’s X-ray technology program and in the early 1980s became manager of the hospital’s radiology department. From 1999-2006 she volunteered at Tacoma’s Crisis Center for Women and with the Pierce County Domestic Violence Helpline. In 2007 she moved to St. Ann Convent in Tacoma where she served in prayer ministry until her death.

All services will be held in Tacoma, WA. A Vigil will be at St. Ann Convent Chapel on Thursday, August 2, 7:00 P.M. Mass of Christian burial will be on Friday, August 3 at 12:00 P.M. followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery at 2:30 P.M. Sister Marie Bernard is survived by her brother, Lawrence Howard, of Waterford, Ireland; by nieces and nephews; and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.