Edna M. Ward

During her final days she was surrounded and comforted by her devoted children Jonette, Tommy, Barbara, personal friend Kerry, compassionate and dedicated aide Carie of Home Instead, and the caring staff of Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, who so lovingly cared for her until Heavenly Father called her home. Her faithful and loving dog Pixie never wandered from her side.

Ms. Ward was born on Charles Street in Harrisburg on July 8th, 1923 to William L. Stambaugh and Uhla I. Fredericks Stambaugh. She was the fifth of eight children and is survived by her youngest brother Lloyd R. Stambaugh of Ressers Summit.

Ms. Ward was a devoted wife and mother for many years. She later became employed at the Rehab Center in Mechanicsburg from the time it opened and continued working for 17 years, missing only one day of work due to a snow storm. She then worked private duty for several years before completely retiring. She enjoyed gardening in her beautiful yard and watching the abundant wildlife that lived in it. She was an avid fan of NASCAR racing and driver Jimmie Johnson #48, and enjoyed the music of Rod Stewart. Her most memorable experience was a trip to Maine to tour the light houses with her daughter Jonette. She enjoyed it so much that she and her daughter traveled there again the next year. She often reminisced of the time she spent in Long Beach visiting her sister Dottie Fox during the attack on Pearl Harbor and how they had to keep the lights turned off.

Mother spoke often of how proud she was of all of her grandchildren's accomplishments and delighted in how much love her grandson's Tony, Tom, Allen and her great granddaughter Maddy bestowed upon her through visits and many distant phone conversations. She held a great fondness in her heart for her grandson Johnny, who when so small would often climb on the couch to stand behind her and run his little fingers through her hair while stating, "Grandma, your hair is soooooo soft". Her final outing was a visit with her son Tommy to watch his miniature pony, Star Baby, prancing playfully in the pasture then feed him French fries through the fence. During her difficult end days her daughters would cheer her up by playing the Christmas song," Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer", Barbara would sing along while changing the names in the lyrics. When it was thought she would laugh no more she would surprise everyone with a stressed but hearty chuckle.

During her suffering she gave all and asked for nothing. She did not complain nor cry. She often comforted others by stating, "Everything will be ok, don't worry."

Mother was not famous nor did she receive any medals, awards or honors. She did not belong to any social clubs or to any one church. What Mother was, was first of all a lady, private in her own strong beliefs and committed to her family. She had a strong and dedicated work ethic and survived on her own inner strength. She was loving, forgiving and compassionate. She was a friend to all persons she met. All who knew her will truly miss her. Mother is survived by her children Jonette R. Ward of Camp Hill, Tommy J. Ward Jr. of Lewisberry, Barbara A. Fontaine and husband Buzzy of Patterson, Ca., John Ward of Harrisburg, grandchildren Allen Fontaine III and wife Brenda of Reno, Nv., Anthony Fontaine and wife Beth of Santa Clara, Ca., Thomas B. Fontaine of Patterson, Ca., Johnny C. Ward of Virginia and Lainie Whitaker of Harrisburg. Five great grandchildren Patrick, Madison Lilith, Brandon, Arlette Milan, and Bruyere and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held privately and internment will take place at Rolling Green Memorial Park at the convenience of her children.