Josephine L. Ward

Josephine L. Ward, 87 of Elkton, MD, passed away Friday, February 27, 2009 at Laurelwood Nursing and Rehabilitation, Elkton, MD. Born in Waterbury, CT, on December 5, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and the late Concetta Rusipero LaMonica. She graduated from North East High School in 1938 and from the Delaware State Hospital School of Nursing in 1943. She served in the capacity of Director of Nursing at Daybreak Nursing Home in Wilmington, DE and also at the Club Haven Convalescent Home in Wilmington, DE. She and her family moved back to North East where she helped open the new Laurelwood Center in 1978, working as the Director of Nursing. After a few years, she retired to take care of her family. Music was her passion and she spent many years with the Blue Rock Choral Society in Wilmington. She also belonged to the Cecil County Choral Society. She was a member of St. Jude's RC Church in North East and directed the choir for several years. She was a former member and President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus. She worked their bingos on every Sunday and Friday for many years. She also helped with dinners and special functions for the Knights of Columbus and for the church. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Paul Ward who passed on August 6, 2000, her son, John J. Ward and her grandson Matthew Thomas Ward. She is survived by her daughters, April Ward of North East, MD and Virginia Hile of Wilmington, DE; her sister, Loretta Stigliano; a brother, Vincent LaMonica, both of Elkton, MD; and her dear friends, Dennis and Sally George of Elkton, MD; a brother-in-law, William 'Reds' Ward of North East, MD; 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter, Jordana Renie Ward-Learish; and many nieces, nephews and cousins all of whom she loved dearly. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, March 6, 2009 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Crouch Funeral Home, 127 South Main Street, North east, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 10:00 AM at St. Jude's Roman Catholic Church, 928 Turkey Point Road, North East, MD. Interment will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Elkton, MD. A luncheon will be served at the V.F.W. Post #6027, Turkey Point Road, North East, MD after the interment. Family will accept flowers; however memorial contributions may be made to Season's Hospice, in care of the funeral home.