Ward (nee O’Brien), Elizabeth Marie, (Betty) passed away peacefully on Nov. 16, 2014 in the midst of faith, family and love. Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Born on Nov 10, 1928 to John and Marie O’Brien of Fairview, NJ.

Pre-deceased by her husband of 54 years Patrick Daniel Ward, she is survived by 6 daughters: Mary Pat Palombo (Aldo), Liz Scully, Eileen Roche (Peter Kutsopias), Marie Zinno (Doug), Kathleen Brown (Chris) and Theresa Ward (Mick Murray). Also survived by grandchildren Colleen Scully, Christin Morrow (Tom), Chris Scully, Kim Palombo (Schaffer DeArmond), Regina Palombo, Janelle Roche, Ted Roche, John Zinno, Lindsey Zinno, Nora Brown, Ian Brown and Jack Murray along with great-grandchildren Sydney Scully, Bella Morrow and Atticus DeArmond plus many nieces and nephews, as well as her sisters-in-law, Elena O’Brien, Mary Mulligan, and Sheila McPeak. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Rose O’Brien, her brothers Jack and Charles, and her sisters-in-law Nancy O’Brien, Margaret McKernan and Catherine Ford.

Betty Ward was a devoted wife to her husband, Patrick, and a loving and dedicated mother to her six daughters, instilling in them a strong moral compass and a love of family. Living by the seashore in Wildwood Crest for 36 years, she hosted countless family members and friends to enjoy the beautiful beach by not only making many delicious meals; but also sweeping a lot of sand. She opened her home and her table to many extended family and friends for holidays and family celebrations. There was always room for one more at her table.

She had a passion for learning, reading 3 newspapers a day until shortly before her death. She kept up-to-date on current events and sport scores, stories of coaches and players from many teams. It was her daily ritual to complete the Philadelphia Inquirer crossword puzzle and check the answers to the previous day’s puzzle. She kept lists of new words she learned, and marveled at words she had never heard. This desire for learning also led her to teach swimming for the Red Cross when she a young woman.

A 1946 graduate of Camden Catholic, her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life, the love of her family and her conscience. She told repeated stories of good memories of the Sisters of Mercy who taught her. At Camden Catholic, she joined a small group of women, she called her “Sorority Sisters” and remained friends with them all her life, meeting for lunch once a month for almost 65 years.

Late in her life, she devotedly took care of her sickly husband for three and a half years at home, administering his medicine and managing nursing duties, much to his eternal gratitude. Later when she became a widow, she was blessed to have discovered the compassionate care of the Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy when she moved into the Villa Raffaella in Pleasantville, NJ. In this new home, she found security, love and dignity. She continued her learning and made new friends. She brought laughter to her tablemates, telling stories and jokes, knowing that laughter is the best medicine.
Her declining health created many struggles for her, but she always maintained her gracious and appreciative manner and courageous spirit. She is a model for all her family and any one who knew her. She will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 from 9:30 – 11:00 AM St. Gianna Beretta Molla Parish / St. Bernadette’s Church 1491 New Rd, Northfield, NJ 08225. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her loving memory to The Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy 917 So. Main St. Pleasantville, NJ 08232. Arrangements are by Adams-Perfect, Inc. Northfield, NJ.