Wanda L. Ward

Wanda L. Ward, 90, formerly of Bradenton, Florida, residing in South Bend, Indiana passed away at 5:35 AM Sunday, September 27, 2020 at Healthwin Specialized Care, South Bend.  Wanda was born on June 12, 1930 in Blackwell, Texas to Ester and Beulah (Shaffer) Bryant.

In 1947 in Clovis, New Mexico Wanda married Harvey O. Ward. He preceded her in death on July 28, 2005. They were married for 58 years raising three children. Wanda and Harvey moved to South Bend, Indiana and raised their family before retiring to Bradenton, Florida.

Preceded in death are both parents, Ester and Beulah Bryant; her twin brothers Earl, while serving in WW2 and Burl (Emma) Bryant of Texas; her beloved husband Harvey in 2005.

Wanda retired from Uniroyal (Ball Band) and worked in patient accounts at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. After leaving St. Joe, mom and dad moved to Florida where they lived until dad’s death. She was a member of Eastern Star #569. She is still celebrated today for her beautiful sewing and seamstress skills, home cooked meals and always welcoming to friends and family. Mom made each of her grandchildren quilts by hand which they cherish. Mom loved to teach my friends how to sew and encouraged us to take sewing in high school. She was fiercely independent and always tackled a task head on and was proud of her accomplishments.

Wanda is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Gary) Lack of Osceola; two sons, Ronald (Sherry) Ward of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Robert Ward of De Leon, Texas; four grandchildren, Amanda (Lance) McKinney of Osceola, Stephanie (Brad) Fritz of Carmel, Indiana, Kris Ward of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Taylor (Danielle) Ward of Millsap, Texas; and five great-grandchildren, Dylan Ward, Hannah Woodruff, Colin Woodruff, Benjamin, and Aubrey.

Our family would like to thank the nursing, activities, and therapy staff at Healthwin for taking such good care of mom. Mom loved and talked about Shalanda, Judy, Anne, Kat, Shellie, Julie, Linda, John, and Carrie almost every time we talked to her. I know I am leaving some people out, but I cannot remember everyone’s names.  Mom called them her friends. They showered her with love and attention especially during the Covid isolation. Such wonderful end of life care for mom, and consideration to our family always making sure we were also taken care of. We cannot say enough about the staff at Healthwin.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Palmer Funeral Home – River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, Indiana. A family friend Jimmy Robbins will officiate.  Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, South Bend, IN.  Friends may visit with the family from 11 AM – 1 PM on Wednesday prior to services at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Wanda Ward may be made to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, 290 Turnpike Rd. Ste 5-315, Westborough, MA 01581 or to Alzheimer’s Association.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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