Sister Isabel Ball, CDP, entered eternal life on July 1, 2022 at the age of 93. Sister Isabel was born June 1, 1929 in Elmendorf, Texas. Her parents were Raymond Xavier and Jane (Terrell) Ball. Her baptismal name was Jane Adelle. She answered God’s call to become a Sister of Divine Providence on June 21, 1951, professed first vows 70 years ago. She recently celebrated her 70th Jubilee in the presence of her family, friends and Sisters of Divine Providence (CDP).
Sister Isabel is a 1950 graduate of Our Lady of the Lake. She earned a master’s degree in chemistry and PhD in biochemistry from the University of Texas at Austin. She taught chemistry and biochemistry at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) for 22 years. Sister Isabel trained many young students to think like scientists. Biochemists have produced major medical advances, including development of the COVID vaccine. Sister Isabel played a hand in “birthing” these young scientists.
She was Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences for 24 years. As Dean, Sister Isabel secured more than $15 million in grants for OLLU. Some of the funds were used to update labs in Metz Hall. For her efforts, the undergraduate research lab was dedicated in her honor in 2004.
In 2003, Sister Isabel took on the role of Director of Mission Effectiveness in the Division of Mission and Ministry where she ensured that the CDP charism and heritage were infused into the day-to-day life of the university. She held the Director role until her retirement in 2012.
She served OLLU for a total of 58 years. In addition to teaching at OLLU, she held teaching positions at St. Mary’s University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Clayton Foundation for Biochemical Research at the University of Texas.
Sister Isabel gave her heart and soul to OLLU and showed us the face of God that invites us to be co-creators of knowledge and understanding for the common good.
Sister Isabel is survived by nephews Michael Stephen Ball, Matthew Charles Ball, James Ray Ball, and niece Laura J. Ball Murphy. She was preceded in death by her parents Raymond X. and Jane Ball and brothers, Raymond X. and Michael X. Ball.
The Rosary is Thursday, July 7, 2022, at 4:00 p.m.; Wake, at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Resurrection is Friday, July 8, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. All services will be in Annunciation Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake Convent Center.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Sisters of Divine Providence, 603 S.W. 24th Street, San Antonio, Texas 78207-4619.