Mary Lucinda Ward – Sept. 14, 1929 – Dec. 10, 2019
Mary Lucinda Ward (”Mearbear” to the angels who cared for her), 90, died peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019.
She was born on Sept. 14, 1929 in Edgemont, Pa. to Ralph Harris Maarker Sr. and Emily Elizabeth Smith.
She lived in Oregon for 40 years, with the last 15 being in Springfield, Ore. Mary was married for 33 years to retired Master Sgt. Jim Ward.
She moved from California to Oregon in 1968 with her family, where they lived in Deadwood. She worked as a spotter in a plywood mill in Swisshome. After the death of her husband in 1985 she moved to Horton, Ore., where she owned a home, and then to Eugene where she was in charge of the Vespers program at Olive Plaza.
In her spare time she would keep busy helping other seniors by cleaning their homes, taking them shopping or doing their laundry. She was always helping someone. Christmas was her favorite time of year because she would bake dozens of cookies and create baskets to give to friends and loved ones.
She loved gardening, doing crafts and watching a good movie while eating dinner. She was loved for her teasing sense of humor. She loved getting her hair done, then going out to Chinese dinner. She was full of life, even to the very end. She was a believer in Christ and is walking those golden streets now.
She has three living children: Dan Ward of Portland, Ore.; James Ward of Arizona and Kathlene Ward of Springfield; a son, Kenneth Ward of Massachusetts, preceded her in death. She has three grandchildren (Joshua, Bryan and Sheril); a grandson-in-law, Glen; and six great-grandchildren (Kelsi, Kylee, Hailey, Joshua, Samantha and Blake).
She has three living siblings: Peggy, Barbara and John (Barbara); and seven siblings who preceded her in death: Dorothy, Ralph (Alice), Priscilla (Mike), Bill (Marge), Helen, Betty and Frederick.
She will be missed here on earth by so many. Her ashes will be interred with her loving husband in Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.
Arrangements by Andreason’s Cremation and Burial Services in Springfield.
