Sister Marie Bernard Howard

Obituary Sister Marie Bernard Howard, OSF 1924-2007 Sister Marie Bernard Howard, OSF, died at St. Ann Convent, Tacoma, on July 31, 2007. 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 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, traveling, taking nature walks, tutoring, visiting and keeping in touch with friends. Sister Marie Bernard began her years in ministry in California. She taught at St. Edward School in Corona, and Our Lady of Guadalupe School in San Diego. She also ministered for twelve years in Diocese of Baker. Sister 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 in the hospital's X-ray technology program and in the early 1980's became manager of the hospital's radiology department. For the next seven years 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. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Leo Church on Friday, August 3 at 12:10 pm. Reception to follow at St. Joseph Medical Center in Conference Rooms A and B. Burial will be at 2:30 pm at Calvary Cemetery. Sister Marie Bernard is preceded in death by her sisters Maura Barron and Rita Howard. She is survived by her brother, Laurence Howard, of Waterford Ireland; and by nieces and nephews, Catherine, Ruth, Leo, Declan , Derek Howard and Michael, Phil, Brendan Barron; and by her Franciscan family. The Sisters of St. Francis would like to express their appreciation to Franciscan Hospice and the staff of St. Ann's for their loving care of Sister Marie. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, 6602 South Alaska Street, Tacoma, WA 98408. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003.