Former St. Clare's head turns 102

DENVILLE — Sister Mary Urban Harrer, former Saint Clare’s administrator from 1967-71, turned 102 years old on March 2.

A party was held for her at the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother Retirement Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. A beloved figure at Saint Clare’s, Sister Urban also held the position of chairwoman of the Board of Trustees from 1971-96.

While at Saint Clare’s in Denville, she visited patients daily and continued her ministry with a smile, upbeat attitude and love for life. The four-story hospital tower named Urban Tower at the Denville Campus is named in her honor.

Sr. Urban founded the annual Harvest Festival in 1974, which raised $5 million during her tenure in support of Saint Clare’s programs and services. Born in Bavaria, she looked to mirror events like those of Germany’s famous Oktoberfests.