Marie "Claire" Ward, 82 of Lancaster passed away on March 5, 2014. Claire was the wife of the late James M. Ward of Lancaster who died in 2005 and with whom she celebrated 49 years of marriage.

Claire was born in Bayonne, NJ and was the daughter of the late John and Marian O'Donnell. Claire and her sister Margaret grew up in Linden, NJ.

She was an alumnus of St. Mary of Assumption High School in Elizabeth, NJ and graduated in 1953 from Notre Dame College, Grymes Hill, Staten Island, NY with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology.

Claire was employed by Leberco Laboratories of Roselle Park, NJ as a Bacteriologist. Claire soon met her future husband Jim Ward and subsequently married him in 1955 and began her career as a homemaker. They moved to Venezuela, South America where Jim was employed by US Steel Company as a Geologist and Mining Engineer. This was an exciting time in the lives of Claire and Jim and their growing family. They made lasting friendships among the US Steel community, learned Spanish and valued that unique experience. Claire followed her husband to various mining jobs throughout the United States. The family spent time in Brookville and Clarion, PA, Canfield, OH, Denver, CO, and Wyoming, PA.

Claire moved to Lancaster in 2000 and made this area her home until her passing. Additional to Claire's many family activities are the League of Women Voters, Welcome Wagon and genealogy research on her ancestors.

Claire is survived by five children; Mary Ann Carosi, wife of Paul Carosi, of Pittsburgh, Beth Ross, wife of Jeff Ross of Lancaster, Kathy Larkin, wife of Tom Larkin of Lancaster, Mike Ward, husband of Marcie Medich Ward of White Oak and Karen Ward of Lancaster. An infant daughter, Margaret predeceased her. Claire had 9 grandchildren. One sister, Margaret Ryan, married to Bernard Ryan of Queensbury, NY, also survives her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut St. on Saturday, March 15, 2014. Visitation with family will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a mass starting at 11:00. Interment to follow in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. The family is encouraging friends to honor Claire's Irish Heritage by wearing a wee bit of green to honor St. Patrick. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to WITF, 4801 Lindle Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17111.