CUMBERLAND — Mercy Sister Judith Ward, 86, a retired educator, died Sept. 15 at Mount St. Rita Health Centre.
Born Virginia Frances Ward in Providence, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Florence (Maxon) Ward. She entered the Sisters of Mercy on Sept. 8, 1941 and professed her vows on Aug. 16, 1947.
She was a graduate of the class of 1941 from the former St. Xavier Academy, Providence and earned a bachelor of science degree from the former Catholic Teachers College, Providence and a master of arts degree from The Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Sister Ward ministered in the Diocese of Fall River from 1946 to 1959, and then was transferred to the Diocese of Providence, where she taught as an elementary school teacher for 10 years before being assigned to St. Mary Academy-Bay View, where she served until 1986.
She subsequently ministered at the former Carter Day Nursery, Providence until her retirement.
She was the sister of the late Jacqueline McDonald and Marjorie Mullen, and is survived by several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 18 in Mount St. Rita Chapel. Burial was in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.
