Teresa E. Ward

Teresa Elizabeth "Tess" Ward, of Levittown, PA, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, surrounded by her loving children, at her home in Levittown. She was 86. Despite a lengthy and courageous battle against a debilitating illness, Teresa's passing on Valentine's Day is a fitting occasion for her to join her husband, partner and soulmate of 64 years, Edward R. Ward, who passed away not three weeks ago. They were inseparable companions who loved and cared deeply for and about each other, which gives her family comfort, as they are together once again. Teresa was born on August 1, 1930, in Philadelphia and raised in the Kensington Neighborhood of the City. Teresa attended the John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School, Philadelphia, graduating with distinction in 1948. Following her graduation Teresa attended a three year program at Saint Mary Hospital School of Nursing, Philadelphia, where she graduated in 1951 as a registered nurse. Teresa loved her time at Saint Mary as she regularly shared cherished memories with the lifelong friends she made at school. In 1953, along with Edward, Teresa moved to Levittown where she was an original homeowner in the Holly Hill Section. After moving to Levittown Teresa was employed as the first Emergency Room Nurse at Lower Bucks Hospital, Levittown. During her lengthy nursing career, which included all phases of nursing, from labor and delivery to school nursing and even working in an office setting for private medical practitioners, Teresa cared deeply about the quality of care for each and everyone she attended to throughout the years. Teresa finished her career as the Directress of Nurses at the Statesman Nursing Home, as she made life for the aged, lonely and confined as happy as she could. Her example resulted in her children and grandchildren following her footsteps into nursing, which made her immensely proud. Teresa was a devout Catholic and a communicant of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish for over fifty years. Teresa had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary as she said the rosary daily and special novenas for all in need to the Blessed Mother, nightly. Teresa lived her faith with the humble, patient and loving way that all who knew her, knew well. Teresa is survived by her loving children, Teresa M. Clark (John), of Nanticoke, Kathleen R. Gainer (Michael) of Levittown, Edward R. Ward Jr., of Levittown, Daniel Ward (Christine) of Lower Makefield, and Henry P. Ward (Susan), of Levittown. She will be greatly missed by his fifteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, her sister, Agnes Batezel, of Langhorne, her brother, Robert Taylor, of Langhorne, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Family and friends are invited to call Thursday, February 16th, from 9:00 until 10:00 AM at Saint Michael the Archangel Church, 66 Levittown Parkway, Levittown, where her funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM. Teresa's interment will take place at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, on Friday, February 17, 2017 at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Life Saint Mary's, 2500 Neshaminy Interplex Drive Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053.