Age 93
Sister Mary Bride Pollard was a Sister of Mercy for 75 years. She graduated from St. Vincent High School, where she was class valedictorian. Upon graduation from high school, she was awarded a full four-year scholarship to College Misericordia, Dallas, Pennsylvania. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and obtained her master’s degree from the University of Scranton.
She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Dallas, Pennsylvania, on February 2, 1947, and professed her vows on August 16, 1949.
Sister Bride’s expertise in ministry was in education, as she taught for many years in the dioceses of Scranton and Harrisburg. She served as principal of Immaculate Conception School in New Oxford, Pennsylvania, for twenty-five years. Sister Bride cherished these years with gratitude for the kindness of the people in those communities.
Sister Bride was inspired to begin a pastoral ministry after witnessing compassionate individual and family care during her sister’s illness. This deeply moving experience led her to pursue a second master’s degree in pastoral ministry at St. Joseph’s College, West Hartford, Connecticut.
Upon completing this degree and subsequent certification, she served as pastoral associate at the former Mercy Hospitals in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton and later at Mercy Center Dallas, Pennsylvania. During this period, she provided spiritual, emotional and physical support to individuals and families. She was recognized by all she served and worked with for her quiet, caring presence, especially during their time of need. She was always willing to share a compassionate, listening ear; many individuals she cared for and worked alongside appreciated her sense of humor.
Sister Bride was known for commitment to her faith, family, friends, Sisters of Mercy, and Notre Dame football…not necessarily in that order.