(1934-2026)

Sister Mary Ward, formerly known as Sister Michael Bridget, died on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 91 years of age and in the 68th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister was born in Chicago to Michael and Bridget (Ryan) Ward. She graduated from St. Gregory High School in Chicago and earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and a master’s degree in guidance from DePaul University in Chicago.

Sister Mary ministered for 13 years in elementary education in Elgin, Elmhurst, Chicago, and Elmwood Park, Illinois. She served the Adrian Dominican Congregation for about 17 years in various positions: secretary to the formation team, executive secretary and Secretary of the Congregation; coordinator of fund data for the Development Office in Detroit; and executive assistant for the Great Lakes Dominican Chapter Office, also in Detroit.

She also ministered for three years as a secretary at Siena Heights College (University), a sponsored institution of the Congregation; for more than two years as administrator for the Detroit Center for Religious Development; and for more than eight years as registrar for Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. Sister became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2017.

Sister Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Vincent, James, John, and Michael; and two sisters, Jane Ward-Lutterman and Theresa Ward. She is survived by two sisters, Susan Barnett and Margaret “Peg” Kloiber; other loving family members; and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, in the gathering space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery.

Those not attending services in person are welcome to participate via livestream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

Note: To view recordings with closed captioning, they must be viewed on our public video library rather than through the links below.

Recording of Sister Mary's Vigil Service - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

Recording of Sister Mary's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

 

MIDDLE: Sister Michael Bridget with her family on Reception Day. RIGHT: Sister Mary Ward as Secretary of the Congregation. 

LEFT: Members of the 1982-1986 General Council are: back row, from left, Sisters Carol Johannes (Prioress), Rose Ann Schlitt, Mary Ward (Secretary), and Catherine DeClercq, and front row, from left, Sisters Loretta May (Treasurer), Helen Sohn, and Miriam Mullins. RIGHT: The current and former Secretaries of the Congregation gathered during the Congregation’s 2002 Gathering. They are, from left: Sisters Rose Celeste O’Connell, 1990-2016; Grace Flowers, 1974-1980; Marie Wiedner, 1970-1974; Kathleen Walli, 1988-1990; Mary Ward, 1982-1988; and Helen Sohn, 1980-1982.

LEFT: The community of Burg Road, Warren, Michigan, gathers in 2013. They are, from left, Sisters Joan Hinz, Patricia Johnson, Alice Riegel, Noreen O’Connell, Frances Nadolny, Ann Marie Petri, Mary Jo Sieg, and Mary Ward. MIDDLE: Bridget Ward, mother of Sister Mary Ward. RIGHT: Michael Ward, father of Sister Mary Ward.

LEFT: Members of the 1986-1992 General Council honoring Sister Mary Ward for her service as Congregation Secretary. Pictured are, from left: Sisters Nadine Foley (Prioress), Sharon Weber, Stacey Munson (secretary), Carol Bollin, Donna Markham, Linda Bevilacqua, and Loretta May (Treasurer). Sister Mary is seated in front. (Photo by Sister Beverly Bobola) RIGHT: Members of the 2017 Diamond Jubilee August Crowd are: back row, from left, Sisters Noella McLeod, Patricia Reno, Mary Ward, and Patricia Siemen (Prioress), and front row, from left, Sisters Geneal Kramer, Loretta Glanz, and Victoria Dalesandro.

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