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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Joan F. Ward

Our beloved wife and mother, Joan, peacefully left our world on Thursday April 4, 2019. She will be happily remembered and dearly be missed by all who were graced by her acquaintance. Joan, who was affectionately known as “Little Cruiser,” was a wonderful mother and homemaker; she earned her nickname as she cruised around the house caring for her seven children.

Joan graduated in 1945 from St. Theodore Grade School in Chicago, in 1949 from Loretto High School in Chicago, and in 1951 from McCormick School of Business in Chicago IL.

In her spare time, Joan volunteered at the Emmanuel Dining Center, helping to feed and care for the hungry of Delaware. She also volunteered at the Mary Campbell Center, and transported residents of the center to attend mass at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church.

What Joan adored most was spending time with family, sharing jokes and stories, having cookouts and celebrations of any occasion. We will all miss her more than words can convey, but we find peace knowing that Heaven shines a little brighter with her presence.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, James F. Ward of Wilmington DE; her children James M. of Wilmington; Terry M. of Wilmington; Kevin V (Karen) of Germantown MD; David F. of Wilmington; Carol Ann of Chadds Ford PA; K. Lynn Robinson (Wayne) of Hockessin; and Patrick J. (Loretta) of Wilmington; her grandchildren Cody W. and Owen W. of Hockessin: Rachel E., Kelly A. and Charlotte M. of Wilmington; Amanda C. and Samantha A. of Germantown MD; and Julieta Kang of Crofton MD.

Funeral Services

A Memorial Mass will be offered at 11:00 am on Monday April 8 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington where friends and family may visit from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Interment will be private.

Condolences

    Rob, Dolores, and Brandon Bush writes,
    Our sincere condolences to all the Ward family. We all were very fond of Joan. Her kindness will always be remembered
    04/05/2019 03:20 pm
    Mark Modica lit a candle and writes,
    Mrs. Ward was the rock of Berwyn Road. With all the chaos of having seven children and with a neighborhood filled with kids she was always even tempered and accepting of everyone. She seemed to love having us all around and like all the mothers of Berwyn Road was the reason we all enjoyed being on our street. She would laugh at all the stupid things we did and we were always welcome at the Ward house. God bless you Mrs Ward!!
    04/05/2019 03:25 pm
    Ken, Michelle and Abigail Ward lit a candle and writes,
    To my Uncle Jim and my cousins, I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Joan was always so friendly and welcoming and generous. Although she had seven adult children by the time I got to know her, she always treated me, and later my family, like we were special. The Ward family has lost a great matriarch. May God comfort you.
    04/05/2019 04:32 pm
    Daniel Fields writes,
    My sincere condolences to the Ward family. -- Danny Fields in Chicago, IL
    04/06/2019 01:28 am
    Mary Alice (Parks) Cookson lit a candle and writes,
    My memories of Mrs. Ward are of how happy and proud she was with her children and grandchildren around! Also of how organized she was. Yet she never seemed rushed or too busy to greet her kids’ friends at the door with a gentle smile. I remember all the competitive games played on the Wards’ driveway and back porch with Mrs. Ward watching out for us but letting us find our way, many nice meals shared (as if she needed more folks to feed, but she always welcomed me!), and how she would occasionally break away from her chores to sit down and watch a silly TV show with us, laughing her soft laugh, mostly at our crazy stories. To all the Wards: I hope good memories will help to comfort you at this sad time. —Mary Alice
    04/06/2019 09:42 am
    Joan and Albert Kishbaugh lit a candle and writes,
    Joan's family and our family have been very close for 63 years and she will leave a space that can never be filled.
    04/06/2019 11:42 am
    Betty P. Smack writes,
    My sympathy to all of you at the time of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you. It isn’t easy, I know. Betty Smack
    04/06/2019 11:57 am
    Kang Family lit a candle and writes,
    Our condolences and our deepest thanks for the time we got to know and spend with such a warm and beautiful person. With love from Deeben, Jul, Ellie, Brandon, and Jackson.
    04/06/2019 12:03 pm
    Michele Rotholz lit a candle and writes,
    I am so sorry for your loss. May the memories bring you comfort and peace
    04/08/2019 07:40 am

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