NEWBURGH AND BANGOR – Elaine J. Ward, 86, wife of the late Merle C. Ward, passed away Nov. 12, 2013. Elaine was born in Dixmont, Nov. 2, 1927, the daughter of Louise (Clements) and Edwin Chase.
Elaine graduated from Hampden Academy in 1946. Her passion has always been to help people. She was a caregiver to many people throughout her lifetime. While Elaine helped her husband on the dairy farm, her main passion was caring for and providing a home for the elderly for a number of years and then later opened her home to provide care and support for mentally and physically disadvantaged adults. After Elaine and her husband retired from their dairy farm, Elaine became the proprietor of Pleasant Valley Apartments. Elaine will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.
Elaine is survived by her daughter, Judy Jewell and husband, Tom of Hampden; sons, Robert Ward and wife, Sandy Smith of Hermon, and Donald Ward and wife, Sandra of Newburgh; her grandchildren, Travis Ward and wife, Crystal of Newburgh, Meghan (Jewell) Baker of Hampden, Benjamin Jewell of Boston, MA, Jillian (Ward) Hall and husband, Nicolas of York, and Mariah Ward of Newburgh; her great-grandchildren, Ashleigh and Aubrey Baker, and several special nieces. Elaine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Merle of 52 years, beloved grandson, Matthew L. Ward, four brothers and two sisters. Elaine’s family thanks the staff at Sylvia Ross Home for their care and kindness during her stay.
In keeping with Elaine’s wishes, interment will be private at Harmony Place Cemetery, Monroe. For those who wish, memorial contributions in Elaine’s honor may be made in memory of her grandson, Matthew Ward, to Special Olympics Maine, 125 John Roberts Road, Suite 5, South Portland, ME 04106. Arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Avenue, Hampden. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
Elaine J. Ward
