Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory Logo

302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Stella “Sis” Ward Sterner

Stella “Sis” Ward  Sterner  was born June 21, 1924, in Wilmington, DE, to Herbert H. Ward, Jr and Juliette Rice Ward. She died peacefully, surrounded by family, at her home in Jennersville, PA on March 31, 2020, at the age of 95. She is survived by her husband of 75 years, James F. Sterner; her brother John Ward of Chesapeake City, MD; her five daughters, Patricia Johnson (Glenn), Juliette Sterner, A. Tamasin Sterner, Ginger Hunter, and Amy Gould (Curtis); five grandchildren, Ward Johnson, Erika Hunter Hake, Evan Hunter, Benjamin Gould, and Lucas Gould; and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Herbert Ward III.

Sis was graduated from Wilmington Friends School, Class of 1942, and University of Delaware, Class of 1945. Sis and Jim began married life in Troy, NY, where he completed his education. His career with the DuPont Company took them to Waynesboro, VA, East Greenwich, RI, Madison, NJ, and Kennett Square, PA. They retired near Chesapeake City, MD.

While living in Kennett Square, Sis enjoyed volunteering her time and talents with Bloodmobile, The Tick Tock Early Learning Center, Red Cross, and the Girl Scouts.

While living near Chesapeake City, she volunteered at the Union Hospital Auxiliary and gift shop. She especially enjoyed her years volunteering at the Heron’s Nest Gift Shop at Jenner’s Pond.

Sis loved her family, sitting by a river or the ocean, cats, travel, a good steak, gardening, playing cards and bingo. She usually had a jigsaw puzzle on the table, and she was a whiz at crossword puzzles.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in her name to Faithful Friends Animal Society, 12 Germay Dr, Wilmington DE 19804 (faithfulfriends.us), or the animal shelter of your choice. Services will be private.

Funeral Services

Please check back for funeral service information.

Condolences

    Jenny Lee an John lit a candle and writes,
    Girls, your Mom filled me with joy and wonder in so many ways. She invited us into her life and showed us a different way of being a lady. I was in awe of her wisdom, her beauty and her smile. You girls were so Blessed to have her for your Mom to teach you, love you and let you find your own way. I hope you continue to learn from her and have a close relationship with her from the other side. She loved you all so much. Our love and prayers are with each and everyone of you. God Bless you! Love, Jenny & John Ferguson. ❤️🙏
    04/01/2020 08:00 am
    Cindy lit a candle and writes,
    Thank you for giving me my best friend, Ginger. I will always cherish the memories spent in your beautiful home on Marshall Street, Randalya and at your home at Jenners Pond. Talks, puzzles and lunches I got to share with you mean so much. I will miss those special times for sure. Love, Cindy Heartfelt condolences to all.
    04/01/2020 02:16 pm
    Randy Kane writes,
    My sympathies to the Sterner family especially Tammy who was such a dear friend as we were growing up on Marshall St. Peace and love to you all Randy
    04/01/2020 07:33 pm
    Jane Meadows Martin writes,
    Mrs. Sterner always had a great smile and laugh. Condolences to Mr. Sterner and all the girls.
    04/02/2020 08:50 am
    Sue and Blane Pixley lit a candle and writes,
    We are sending our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your mom. You have our deepest sympathy and we are sending our prayers and hugs. Know that we are thinking of you, much love, Blane and Sue
    04/03/2020 09:37 pm
    Alysa Poindexter lit a candle and writes,
    Praying for the continued strength of your family. I worked closely with Mrs. Sis' daughter, Ginger, and witnessed just how much she treasured memories of her mother.
    04/04/2020 10:46 am
    Kate McElhatton lit a candle and writes,
    I never had the pleasure of meeting Sis but the fact that she loved a good steak, traveling, and a good jigsaw puzzle makes me think she was a woman after my own heart. I did know her daughter, Ginger. How strong she is, how loyal she is, and how much family meant to her and I am sure that came from her parents. I know what a difficult time this must be for you all, I will continue to keep Sis and your entire family in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you all, Kate
    04/04/2020 11:00 am

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

When you "Light a Candle" the candle image is posted with your condolence.

Thank You

Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.