Sr. Harriett Ping, CHM

Sister Harriett (Mary St. Edward) Ping, CHM, 89, died Friday evening, July 22^nd, 2022, at Bishop Drumm Care Center, Johnston, IA.  Funeral services at Bishop Drumm Our Lady of Peace Chapel are Thursday, July 28, Visitation 3 pm, and Memorial Service 4 pm. On Friday, July 29, at Humility of Mary Center, Davenport, IA Rosary 4 pm followed by Visitation; Vigil Service 7 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, July 30, 11 am, Magnificat Chapel, Humility of Mary Center.  Burial follows in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries is assisting the family with arrangements.   

Harriett Elizabeth Ping was born December 24, 1932, in Fort Madison, IA, to Harry and Marguerite (Pranger) Ping.  She entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in 1951 and professed vows in 1954. 

Sister’s education included an Associate’s degree in Elementary Education from Ottumwa Heights College in 1952, a BA in General Science from Marycrest College, Davenport in 1958, and an MST in Biology and Physics from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks in 1969.

Sister began her career educating others while still a student herself.  From 1954 to 1981, she taught science and math at eight schools. Those in Iowa were St. Alphonsus, Davenport; St. Mary, Ottumwa: Assumption HS, Davenport; St. Joseph, Dunlap; Gehlen HS, LeMars; Lenihan Catholic School, Marshalltown and Aquinas HS, Ft. Madison.  She also taught at St. Leo HS in Lewistown, MT. Later, from 1981 to 1997, she served as a librarian for Marycrest College and Teikyo Marycrest University in Davenport.  From there, she served as a receptionist and bookkeeper for Martina Place in Johnston, IA, until her retirement in 2002.

During her retirement at Humility of Mary Center, Sister was not idle; she volunteered at Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat and Humility of Mary Housing, Inc.  In 2016, her Ministry of Prayer and Witness continued at Bishop Drumm.

The Board of Trustees of Ottumwa Heights College in 1972 honored Sister Harriett for her years of service in Catholic education.  They recognized her integrity and that she was “a commendable example for those who pick up and carry forward the torch of leadership”.  In 1981, the National Catholic Education Association granted her the Presidential Award for Outstanding Service to Catholic Education.  She also served on the Board of Trustees for Ottumwa Heights College and was a member of the National Association of Biology Teachers.

In addition to her achievements, she leaves behind a legacy of energy, laughter, and love for Whitey’s Ice Cream and Notre Dame football.  Sister enjoyed camping and mountains, especially the Grand Tetons. She dubbed a mountain near Lewistown “Mount St. Edward”.

Sister Harriett was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Tom Ping, and Suzanne Ping, nephew Stan’s wife. 

She is survived by her sister-in-law Rosie Ping, West Point IA, nephew Stan (Chris) Ping, Cedar Falls IA, niece Barb (Joe) Schmall, Robins IA and nephew Michael Ping, Batavia IL, eight grandnieces, Erica (Nate) Ertl, Jenn (Rich) O’Keefe, Anna Schmall, Sarah (Ben) Sochacki, Theresa (Matt) Winkler, Alexandra (Alex) Petersen, Michaela Ping and Rachel Ping, one grandnephew, Daniel (Kristi) Schmall, seven great grandnieces and three great grandnephews along with her CHM sisters and associates.

Memorials may be made to the Congregation of the Humility of Mary.