Obituary of Sr. Mary Jo Ward

Sister Mary Jo Ward, SC, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth for 76 years, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving family at St. Catherine of Siena Health Care Facility in Caldwell, New Jersey.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, she was the beloved daughter of Thomas and Edna Anne (Healy) Ward. Sister Mary Jo was a resident of Newark, New Jersey, where she faithfully served others through her ministry, volunteer work, and commitment to her community.

Sister Mary Jo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the College of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station, New Jersey. Throughout her ministry, she devoted herself to the education of children across New Jersey. She served as a teacher at St. Peter School in Jersey City, St. Mary Elementary School in Dumont, St. Charles Borromeo School in Newark, St. Patrick School in Jersey City and Public-School No. 38 in Jersey City. Known for her dedication, patience, and commitment to the academic and spiritual development of her students, Sister Mary Jo touched countless lives during her years in the classroom. She also served as an administrator and house parent at St. Mary Residence for Children in Newark, where she provided guidance, stability, and loving care to children in need.

Following her years in formal ministry, Sister Mary Jo continued her life of service as a volunteer with Cicola, David, Kaufman, MD, in West Orange. Sister Mary Jo's faith extended far beyond her professional ministries. She was also deeply involved with her parishes, Our Lady of Sorrows, South Orange, NJ and St. Joseph’s, Maplewood, NJ and was an active participant in the Cursillo movement, helping to inspire and strengthen the faith of others.

One of her most cherished ministries was hosting children from Northern Ireland through The Children's Project, which brought young people to America during the summer months to escape the violence and unrest of "The Troubles" in their homeland. She welcomed these children with open arms and a loving heart, offering them peace, safety, and unforgettable memories.

A special place in Sister Mary Jo’s heart belonged to Maris Stella Retreat and Conference Center on Long Beach Island, where she both volunteered and vacationed. She treasured the friendships she formed there and the purpose, peace, and renewal it brought to her life.

Sister Mary Jo was a woman of extraordinary faithfulness—to her vocation, her family, her friends, her colleagues, her former students, her fellow Sisters, and her cherished Saturday Morning Breakfast Club. Relationships were the center of her life. She never missed an opportunity to gather with those she loved and especially enjoyed hosting an annual Easter celebration at her home on Norman Road.

Those who knew Sister Mary Jo remember her as kind, compassionate, generous, humble, joyful, faithful, and fun-loving. Her warm smile, welcoming nature, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel valued and loved. She adored her family and friends, loved her Sisters of Charity family deeply, and found happiness in life's simple pleasures: traveling, celebrations, listening to music, enjoying books on tape, eating ice cream, spending time at her eight (888) machines, and sharing laughter with those around her.

Sister Mary Jo wrote, "Know that my life has been super blessed—being a Sister of Charity, having my family, and my friends." Those words beautifully reflect a life lived with gratitude, faith, and love.

Sister Mary Jo leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, hospitality, compassion, and joy. Her life touched countless people, and her memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Sister Mary Jo was predeceased by her parents, Thomas, and Edna Anne (Healy) Ward; her brothers, James Ward, and Thomas Ward (Gloria), nephew-in-law, George Masseo, and her dearest friend Sister Regis Keane.

She is survived by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth; her devoted and faithful nieces, Colleen Iodice (John) of NY, Eileen Masseo of NY, Patricia Ward of NY; her niece Gabrielle Ward of CA; her adored grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, and great- grandnephews; her beloved cousin James, who was a constant companion; her dear cousin Mora; and many loving cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

The wake for Sister Mary Jo will be held at Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, New Jersey, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial at Holy Family Cemetery, Convent Station, will immediately follow the Mass. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Stephen J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service. The Mass will be livestreamed.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sisters of Charity Legacy and Mission Advancement Office, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ 07961, would be appreciated.

May she rest in the peace of Christ whom she served so faithfully. Praise God!