Obituaries

Marie “Claire” Ward, 82

March 05, 2014

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.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page


Be sure to include your name

Please note that your condolence will not appear on this page until it is reviewed. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted.

Condolences to the Family

March 15, 2014

I remember Mrs. Ward as strong, kind and firm.  She raised a wonderful family and will be missed.
Sue McKay and family

March 13, 2014

I send my condolences to the family..  I considered Claire one of my best Friends. I have many memories and good times I will cherish forever. 
Barbara Speelman Formerly of Clarion, now Bend, Oregon for past five years.

March 13, 2014

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.  Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
We are so sorry for your loss.  Claire was a wonderful lady with a wonderful family.
A donation to WITF will be made in her name.
God Bless,
Jean Regar and family

Visitation
Saturday, March 15, 2014
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
558 W. Walnut St.
Lancaster, PA 17603
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Services
Saturday, March 15, 2014
11:00 AM
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
558 W. Walnut St.
Lancaster, PA 17603
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Send Flowers Online

Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our six funeral homes in Lancaster County makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Downtown Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz, PA
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg, PA
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street, PA
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info