Madeleine Jeanne Ward

At the age of 22, she married and came to the United States as a war bride. Her younger sister, Raymonde and her parents Albert and Jeanne, along with numerous extended family stayed behind in France.

While she didn’t often speak of the War, when she did, we were always reminded of the strength inside that fiesty, French immigrant.

At the age of 23, leaving France, her family and all she knew, she traveled with other War Brides to the United States, while her husband remained in France. Upon arriving, she met her in-laws and accomplished the challenges of learning a new language, culture and way of life.

She became an American citizen on January 21, 1954.

Life in the U.S. was not always easy for Madeleine but she was fiercely independent and always provided for her daughters. She worked hard for many years and was finally able to retire from Anchor Hocking.

Our Mom was generous; she had a heart for animals and children. Even when money was tight, she gave to supportive groups for children and animal care. She definitely put others first and often sacrificed her own needs to help others. Her Giving spirit was obvious to those around her and she showed this with her concern about the squirrels and little birds in her yard. The thought of anyone or any animal going hungry was heartbreaking for her. She did her part, however small, to make sure no one near her was ever hungry or in need.

We would bring friends home, and you were greeted with, “what can I get you to eat or drink?, repeatedly until you accepted and then “you know where everything is, help yourself!”. Friends wished they had her for their very own grandmother.

Madeleine loved her family very much. She had 3 daughters, Jeanne, Dora and Cyndy; 8 grandchildren; Richard, Denise, Melissa, Joseph, Gina, Emma, Montie and Reese.

When the great-grandchildren started arriving, she was overjoyed with the presence of Alex, Valentina, Renata, Artem, Alexander, Adrian, Sebastian and Riley as they always brought a giant smile to her face.

Madeleine was known for her love of family, wine and travel! She was always the life of the party. Accordion music was her favorite since it reminded her of her childhood in France. She never said no to an invitation to go out dancing. Madeleine loved family gatherings and was a constant part of the lives of her children, grandchildren, their friends and extended families. Everyone knew and adored Madeleine Ward.

Madeleine is preceded in death by her parents, Albert Joseph Herve and Jeanne Marie Lescouarvec, brother in law, Emil Aubin and nephew, Reynald Aubin, all of France.

Madeleine is survived by her daughters, Jeanne Rice, Dora Parson and husband Jim and Cyndy Roddy and husband Gene. Grandchildren, Richard Rice, Denise Ozuna, Melissa Covarrubias and husband Alejandro, Joseph McMillan and Dana Hayer, Gina Crickmer and husband Kyle, Emma Roddy, Montie Roddy and Reese Roddy. Great-grandchildren;, Alex, Valentina, Renata, Artem, Sebastian, Alexander, Adrian, and Riley. Also surviving is her sister, Raymonde Aubin and nephews, Michel Aubin and wife, Evelyne and Didier Aubin. As well as numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews,all of France.

We would like to give special thanks to Interactive Health Care, Heritage Health, Hospice Plus, and Autumn Hospice Care for their excellent care and compassion for our Mom during her last few years.