SEARSPORT – Irene E. Ward went to the house of the Lord Dec. 5, 2011, to be with her beloved husband, Elliott, who predeceased 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, in Swanville, the daughter of Charles and Ethel (Tozier) Howard.
Irene was a loving mother, nana, great-nana, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to many. 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.
She is survived by her five 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, Minn., and Elliott “Bill” Ward Jr. and wife, Rita, of Walterboro, S.C.; brother, Stanley Howard and wife, Barbara, of Brewer; sisters-in-law, Jean Howard and Sadie Ward of Searsport; nine grandchildren, Lyn, Peter, Scott, Thomas, Jody, Wes, Nicole, Nick and Amanda; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Ethel Howard; and her siblings, Forest, Margaret, Evelyn, Ruth, Russell, Wilfred, Stacey, Alice and Agnes.
The viewing was held 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast. The celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at Searsport Full Gospel Church, Main Street, Searsport. Pastor David MacDonald, her nephew, will be officiating the service. Interment will be at Bowditch Cemetery, Searsport. In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Irene E. Ward are requested to Waldo County Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 407, Belfast, ME 04915. Online condolences may be offered to the family at
www.ripostafh.com.