Helen McDonald Ward

Helen Felicitas McDonald Ward of Birmingham, Alabama, formerly of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on April 21, 2012 at the age of 92. Mrs. Ward was born on October 19, 1919 in Nashville, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Frank and Bess McDonald. She graduated from St. Cecelia Academy in 1937 and Peabody College in 1941. That same year she married the love of her life and partner of 63 years, the late Eugene Charles Ward of Fayetteville, Tennessee. In 1958, the Wards moved to Huntsville, where Mrs. Ward raised her three children, was a substitute teacher at St. Mary’s Academy, an active parishioner at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church and a life-long volunteer at Holy Spirit’s thrift store in Gurley. Helen was a treasured mother, grandmother and friend. Mrs. Ward was preceded in death by her husband, her sister Margaret Flynn (Joe), two brothers, Frank and George McDonald, and a son, Eugene Charles Ward, Jr. She is survived by Frank and Linda Ward, Rob and Kate W. Sexton, Ann B. Ward, five grandchildren; Ben and Hiro Ward, Brendan and Emily W. Golden, John and Libby S. Romano, Murray Anne Sexton and Robert R. Sexton, Jr.; two great grandchildren, Shion and Hugh Ward. The family would like to thank the devoted staff at Brookdale Senior Living, where she spent ten wonderful years, and at Mount Royal, where she spent her last months in its rehab and skilled nursing units. A special thanks to Mrs. Eddie Grace, an honorary family member, after her many years of dedication and companionship to Mrs. Ward. Also thanks to Mrs. Trena Booker and Mrs. Suzanne Davis for their loving service and care for Helen. A graveside service will be held in Huntsville at 2PM, on April 27, 2012 at the Maple Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the UAB School of Nursing, 1530 3rd Ave. South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, the YWCA of Central Alabama, 309 North 23rd Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 or a charity of your choice.