Drea Hannah Ward

April 27, 1921 - June 11, 2019

Drea Hannah Lancaster Ward, 98, passed on peacefully to Heaven on June 11, 2019, surrounded by her family as they sang "It is Well".

Drea was born in a log cabin in Hopwood, Pennsylvania on April 27, 1921. The only daughter of Owen and Lulu Elizabeth Lancaster. She was preceded in death by her seven brothers Matthew, Charles, Jack, William and Paul Lancaster; also Luther & Frank Norman

After 25 years together, her beloved husband, John Nathan Ward, passed suddenly 45 years ago. He dearly loved her, as she did him. She, her husband John and small family moved to California sometime in 1953 and resided for the next 54 years in Azusa, California. She would devote her life to her husband and four children during those years in Azusa. Her final years were spent at Hillcrest Brethren Homes in La Verne, California. Drea was also preceded in death by two step-sons Richard and Steve Ward.

She is survived by her daughters Donna Hodge, Diane Cain, Debra Kennedy and son

Byron Ward. She is also survived by her grandchildren John Brokaw, Nathan Cain, Ryan Cain, Nicole Ward, Drea DiPierro, Christy Ward-Moorehead, Noelle DiPierro, Candice Ward and Byron Ward. She is survived by eight great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

She grew up in a Christian family who had great love for music going way back, and she would find music to be one of the loves of her life....She had a beautiful contra-alto voice and sang like an angel. She would soon draw the attention of music teachers, a professional voice instructor and many who would so enjoy hearing the warm melodious voice that God blessed her with. She mesmerized many as she sang in school, church and the country club along with her brother Jack. Both Drea and her husband John, had beautiful voices and musical talents which they passed down to their children and grandchildren. She would go on to enjoy attending school and musical events of her children and grandchildren. She was proud of each of them.

She drew and brought her family together for weekly Sunday dinners and Holiday meals. She will be tenderly remembered for her country cooking skills. Her kitchen would always be busy with her baking homemade bread, pies, and preparing stuffed cabbage and swiss steak some of her families favorites.

She enjoyed going on vacations and seeing the beauty of our Country. She also developed a love for ballroom dancing and made many new friends after her husband John passed away.

Her family has been blessed by her love, compassion, strength and encouragement throughout their lives. She was fun and young at heart and a friend to many. She was a woman of deep faith, conviction and a love for her Lord Jesus that showed through her caring and compassion for others around her.

There is so much more that can be said about this incredible woman with a remarkable life. Drea was loved dearly by her family and friends. She was a blessing to all. She is finally reunited with her husband, dancing with the angels.