Born Aug. 18, 1892, in Owensboro, Ky., Anna Belle was the daughter of James Hamilton and Emma Lancaster Pope. Her father was the descendant of Hamilton Pope, one of the first settlers of Louisville, and her mother from the Lancaster family of Maryland, by way of Nelson County. James Hamilton Pope’s family numbered 13 children, six boys and five girls, and two children who died in infancy. Anna Belle began her education in the Daviess County Public School and later attended St. Stephen Elementary School in Owensboro. Following grade school, she enrolled at Mount Saint Joseph Academy where she showed considerable talent in mathematics. In 1908, Anna Belle entered the novitiate at Mount Saint Joseph and waited until July 14, 1909, to receive the Ursuline habit and the name Sister Mary Edward.
Having prepared to be a music teacher, Sister Mary Edward’s first assignment was at St. Peter Alcantara School in Stanley, Ky. She remained there for 15 years assisting Sister Eulalia Blandford in school and teaching private music lessons. Sister Mary Edward left Stanley and taught music and directed the church choir at Jeffersonville, Ind.,, before returning to Kentucky to continue the same ministry at Browns Valley, Earlington, Axtel, and Central City.
Sister Mary Edward returned to Mount Saint Joseph in 1943. She had charge of the Academy Student Shop and also taught music. She spent much time helping the nurses care for the Sisters in the infirmary. When Sister Eulalia Blandford became seriously ill, Sister Mary Edward was on constant duty as nurse and friend. After Sister Eulalia’s death in March 1950, Sister Edward was “guardian angel” to Sister Angela Kohl, with her day and night, until she died in May the same year. After these two deaths, Sister Mary Edward remained in the infirmary attentive to the needs of the critically ill until she retired in 1962. She prayed, read, kept in touch with friends and waited patiently for her time to enter eternal life. Death came to her on April 11, 1971. Two days later, Father Bernard Powers, chaplain, celebrated the funeral Mass. Sister Mary Edward’s remains are buried in the convent cemetery.