Obituary of Irene E. Ward

Irene E. Ward went to the House of the Lord on December 5, 2011 to be with her beloved husband Elliott, who pre-deceased her in 1987 after 45 years of marriage. Irene was surrounded by her loving family at her time of passing. Irene was born July 1, 1923 the daughter of Charles and Ethel (Tozier) Howard in Swanville, Maine. Irene was a loving Mother, Nana, Great Nana, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend to many. She is survived by her 5 children, Cora Dean Ward of Searsport, Dennis Ward and wife Mieko of Okinawa, Japan, Beverley Smith and husband Roger of Searsport, Russell Ward and wife Kathy of Apple Valley, MN and Elliott (Bill) Ward Jr. and wife Rita of Walterboro, SC, brother Stanley Howard and wife Barbara of Brewer, ME and sisters in law Jean Howard and Sadie Ward of Searsport. She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren: Lyn, Peter, Scott, Thomas, Jody, Wes, Nicole, Nick and Amanda as well as 10 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was pre-deceased by her parents Charles and Ethel Howard, her siblings: Forest, Margaret, Evelyn, Ruth, Russell, Wilfred, Stacey, Alice and Agnes. Irene loved sitting in her chair at the table everyday visiting with family and friends. Those she could not see everyday she talked to on the phone. She was very loved by all her family and friends. Irene was much more than just a mother and grandmother. She was a great friend to everyone. She would listen and give advice. She never judged; she truly was an Angel to all. She loved reading, gardening, word books and crocheting. All her afghans will be treasured by all. Many days were passed playing Skip-Bo with her family. Irene worked as a clerk at Goose River Grocery and was employed by her husband’s business, Ward’s Taxi, until his death in 1987. She continued to transport Special Needs children to school for several more years. The viewing will be held at Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast on Thursday December 8, 2011 from 6 to 8 PM. The Celebration of Life will be held at the Searsport Full Gospel Church on Main Street in Searsport on Friday December 9, 2011 at 1:00pm. Pastor David MacDonald (her Nephew) will be officiating the service. Interment will be at the Bowditch Cemetery in Searsport. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to Waldo County Home Health & Hospice, PO Box 407, Belfast, Me 04915 in the memory of Irene E. Ward. On-line condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com.