Mary Elizabeth Ward

Mary Elizabeth Ward, age 51, passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2014 in West Branch, MI. She was a resident of West Branch for her entire life. Mary was born to James and Kathleen (Kennedy) Strohmer in West Branch on September 20, 1963. On January 15, 1994, she married the love of her life, Kevin Ward, in West Branch. Mary went to Northern Michigan University and then graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Central Michigan University for teaching. She taught at St. Joseph Catholic School in West Branch for 10 years and St. Helen/Roscommon Schools for the past 15 years. Mary was a member of the National Pastoral Musicians Association. She was a parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church and served as a cantor for many years. She was also a director of the St. Joseph Choir under Father Robert Bissot. She had an angelic voice and singing, music, and teaching were her passions. Mary loved the Detroit Tigers and Lions, crafting, playing softball, gardening, baking, cooking, and camping.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, Kevin of West Branch; son: Nathan Lee Ward of West Branch; daughter: Ella Kathleen Ward of West Branch; step son: Gabriel Dustin Lee (Alicia) Gorman of West Branch; mother: Kathleen Strohmer; father: James Strohmer; siblings: Michael (Edith) Strohmer of Newago, MI, Julia (Dwayne) Brott of Fruitport, MI; Therese Strohmer of Greensboro, NC, Kathy (Steve) Simmons of Stewartstown, PA; Margaret (Mat) Ardell of Grand Haven, MI, and Patrick (Susan) Strohmer of Grand Rapids, MI; nieces and nephews; Jarrett (Jennifer) Ardell, Braeton Ardell, Kaleigh Brott, Sarah Simmons, Adam Simmons, Tavin Ardell and Emily Simmons; great nephew: Oliver Ardell; and in laws: Lee (Patty) Ward of West Branch and Karen (Larry) Bourland of Charlotte, MI.

Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will be on Friday, November 14, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 3:00 p.m. and a Scripture Service at 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, November 15, 2014, Mary will lie in state at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the Celebration of Life Mass at 11:00 a.m. Father Patrick Maher will officiate. Burial will follow the service at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the family.