Thinking of Kim today and her kind, loving spirit.

Kim, your humble kindness and devotion to the Chief and his wife will never be forgotten. As we mourn their loss this year, we especially  remember you and the impact you had on those around you . You are truly missed.  Carol Behan Tucci

Kim,

We all miss you, your brilliant smile, laughter and intelligent conversations. You challenged all of us to be better people. Missing you today and always. 

Love,
Adrienne 

I met Kim in 2009 when I was the Acting Director for the National Institute of Justice.  I was looking for someone to speak at our national conference about homicides committed by family members.  I was referred to Kim by Michael Berkow, who was the Chief in Savannah, Georgia at the time.  Kim agreed to speak and she was fantastic.  We stayed in touch and I saw her off and on over the years, most recently at the wedding of our mutual friends Phyllis and Kim.  Kim was an incredible role model for women and was one of the best and brightest in her field.  Just an amazing human being overall.  I feel privileged to have known her.

It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest sympathy to Kim's loved ones and colleagues.  Kim was a strong woman who advocated for those in need.  She made our community and youth safer and better.  Her contributions to St. Vincent's Villa, Villa Maria School, and Lafayette made a lasting impact and we are grateful for her selfless service.  May her memory always serve as a blessing.

Ezra Buchdahl
Administrator
St. Vincent's Villa and Villa Maria School
Catholic Charities

Adrienne and Kim's loved ones, my heartfelt condolences. I will always remember Kim through my work at Catholic Charities. She was an extraordinary role model for me personally, as well as for the youth at Villa Maria School and St. Vincent's Villa. Her mentee in the program became a life-long relationship. Kim was a visionary, a "connector", and a friend to all. She inspired me, and her natural gift of bringing people together to create more good in the world will always shine on.

“Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God”
Matthew 5:9

“Under his wings your “Blue” wings will find refuge and soar” Psalm91:4”

Blue Lives and Family Matter.

May you Rest In Peace,

Cheryl, Austin and Madison Burris
The family of Colonel Joseph Burris
Baltimore County PD-32 years service 🕊

I got to know Kim  many years ago when she sought me out to assist a relative of hers in a legal matter .

 She was so thoughtful , caring and had a deep connection to her nieces and nephews .

We stayed in touch by texts and calls after the issue was resolved and you could tell she really cared about people . Rest In Peace .

Brian H. Clark , Esq

Adrienne and Kim's  family and many friends,
Kim was a very special person whose kindness, grace, and dedication to her core values served as a role model for so many people and for so many important causes. To say she embodied justice for all would be an understatement. Her faith and kindness seeped through every activity and decision. Her fight through her illness, brave. Her thoughtfulness for others even when she was suffering was something to emulate.  While Kim has moved on from this world, her light shines on in everyone she has met, everyone she has befriended, and everyone she has loved. She will not be forgotten.
For all those who knew and loved Kim, pass on to others, all she gave to us. Thank you for being you Kim, we will miss you.
Pam


I met Kim back in the 90's through a mutual friend.  We spent some time together in Rehoboth Beach.  Thoughts and prayers for the Family. Kim had a kind and gentle soul.  May she rest in peace with no more pain.

To the family of Kim Ward, my deepest and most heartfelt condolences.  I was heartbroken when I found out.  Kim was an amazing human being!  Words cannot explain or describe how amazing.   I have witnessed how she has touched the life of every person who has had to honor of meeting her.  I worked with and for Kim during the year she was the HR Deputy Director at DPSCS and during that time, she was a complete breath of fresh air.  While that period of time was short, the impact of her leadership and warm caring heart was ever so great.  She leaves a legacy of grace, unity and love.  I'm praying for a spirit of comfort over everyone who was close to her.  Heaven and the universe has re-gained another one of its Angels.

Kim was a trail blazer and leader for many people in the police department.

I am saddened to learn about Kim's passing. I met Kim only a few years ago; she served on a board for our institution. I was fortunate to have a few meaningful conversations 1:1 with her. She shared words of wisdom with me that I will never forget. What I recall is the way she drew you in, listening like you really mattered, and her words seemed so kind and purposeful. She had a light about her that was special. The world has lost an extraordinary person who clearly made a difference in so many ways.

Thank you Ms. Kim for being open and embracing when I first started with DPSCS. Thank you for having career talks with me as I try to figure out which path to take. Thank you for being humble and personable and always being a call or email away. May you continue to rest peacefully and may your family heal from sharing you with heaven. 

Colonel Ward, you will be missed. One of the first times I met you, I was a cadet. I took you home as I was directed to do and you made sure I had lunch, being as though it was your treat, its something I will never forget. You always made sure I was ok when we would run into each other. I will never forget the card you sent me when I had my daughter. You will never be forgotten and will be surely missed in the Department. Rest easy and thank you for all you have done. May your legacy continue.  

To Adrienne & The Ward Family,

I feel so lucky to have met Kim.  She was so easy to be around and had a magnificent light about her.  She was truly special and I will never forget her.

I hope that you will be comforted by fond memories.

Jamie Del Puppo, RN

Colonel Ward will be missed so much. She not only touched my life, but
everyone she came into contact with. Will always remember her as a very good leader and mentor. Most of all as a truly great person.
Ken C.

Kim is truly a lovely soul. She always presented a warm,caring and loving manner in every conversation.  Kim would come by while we were visiing Lisa and Richard, and ask about all our family members, remembering what each was doing.  She always spoke with such focus, you felt listened  to and cared for.  And Kim brought grace to a very difficult struggle.  She will be so missed, but kept alive forever with strories and memories.  Loving prayers for all that loved Kim , from Chris, Ginny, Tony, Julianna and Jack Mirenzi

Kim, I will miss your talks, your advice. Just talking to you it seemed like everything was going to be okay even if nothing would change. I know you will always be with us in a different way. Thank you for all the love, caring and all you gave. My prayers go out to all the family. . Rest In Peace my dear friend. You will always be in my heart!
                                         Love you,
                                                      Sally

My thoughts and love go out to the family.  Thinking of you today, tomorrow and always.

Dear Adrienne and the entire Ward family,
       I have said it before, I say it now, and I will continue to say it forever .....
Aunt Kim’s heart was as big as the Universe ❤️

I had the honor of being Kim's Executive Officer for several years. During that time, we became friends and confidants. One of the many things I admired about Kim was her many stands on principle, regardless of popularity. She paved the way on many issues for women in law enforcement.  She always emphasized the personal aspects of the job and the importance of taking care of our people. 
Baltimore County's Police Department is a better place for Kim having influenced it, and I am a better person for having known her. May God Bless and Keep Her!  

Words cannot express the lost of one of the most kindest and sincerest people I have met in my lifetime.  Kim had a way of making you feel you had a purpose.  There was never a day that she did not have a positive action, even through tough times.  Kim will be missed by many.  My prayer are with the family, May God bless you and keep you close.

Carla Manning, DPSCS

Ms. Kim,

I has been a pleasure taking care of you here on Weinberg 4B.  We have had some of the deepest conversations ever.  And, we've shared some of the funniest conversations ever, we've talked about everything from my kids, to my dogs and cats.

I'll miss you much. 

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kim Ward. 
I last spoke to her on the phone about 9 months ago when heard that she was ailing.  When we talked, as was her way, she minimized the seriousness of her condition and was more focused on how I was doing and what I was up to.
We first met around 2000 when we both worked for Baltimore County, I was director of mental health services for the Health Department and she was a Colonel for the Police Department.  Given our common interests, we hit it off from the start and so began a wonderful professional partnership and friendship. Together we worked on the development of enhanced mental health training for County police officers and the creation of a County mental health crisis response system which, among other components, paired specially trained police officers with clinicians to provide a mobile crisis response team.  Police and clinicians are not disciplines that always naturally pair well together, and Kim brought a perspective of personal experience and professional credibility that was essential to gain the buy-in at all levels to make this work.  These initiatives would not have succeeded without her hands on involvement.
As a person, Kim was smart, creative, persistent, positive, humble, upbeat, encouraging, and gracious. She was a wonderful leader and mentor to many .  I am pleased to have been able to call her a friend and will remember her as one of the finest people I have known. She made a difference in life and will be sorely missed.
My thoughts are with her family and friends.

Bob Blankfeld

Kim was a bright light in this world and will be terribly missed! She was the kindest most generous soul!! Hugs to you! We hope you will find solace  in the knowledge of  loving memories of her and the light she shined upon the world!  With great appreciation and love, Michele and Bonnie

This is what i shared with the NAMI Maryland staff and Bd when I was notified of Kim's passing:
I met Kim through my volunteer work at NAMI. Kim’s parents were active in NAMI in Baltimore.  Kim’s brother had developed schizophrenia and died of physical ailments, as do so many individuals with serious mental illness. I still remember Kim, her parents and her siblings jumping in to help in whatever way was necessary, from painting our local affiliate, “sharing and caring” with other families like mine, and everything in between. Kim served with me on the Board of Directors of NAMI Metro Baltimore (then AMI Baltimore), served as my Vice President when I was President, and then as President when I became the Executive Director.   Kim was kind, open and measured. She was also FUN.  
Kim was instrumental in developing the very first 40 hr police training in the State of Maryland on effective response to mental illness.   As the Baltimore County police training and related systems reform grew, Kim became deeply involved in developing the local behavioral health crisis line and co-responder team program in Baltimore County.   She continued her public service for years. Kim participated with a group of experts and  NAMI Maryland experts to develop  recommendations  for the improving Maryland’s criminal justice and behavioral health response to people with mental illness, which still guides NAMI Maryland advocacy.
Kim will be deeply missed by NAMI and by all those with whom she developed deep and lasting friendships. Please feel free to share this as well as memories – and feel free to correct me. As Kim always did – with directness and kindness. 
I will miss her deeply but treasure that she shared time and caring with so many while she lived.   Kate


I knew Kim from the class of '75 of Seton High.  I have seen her through the years and was always proud of her, impressed by her,  and treated graciously by her.  She was always nice to everyone even as she displayed her leadership qualities.
    I am so sorry to the family and I will miss her.  Taken too soon. RIP.
Alice McKee Wilcox

Dear Adrienne,

I am so sorry for your loss. Kim was one of the most caring and giving people I know. She had an ever-present positive outlook; I couldn't help but feel "lighter" whenever I talked to her. She will be missed.

Jason Nazelrod

Kim came into my life when I met her at a family wedding in March of 2018 in Baltimore.   We quickly became good friends and through her, I came to know many members of the large and lively Ward family.   Since first meeting her, it has become clearly evident to me that every life Kim touched became more joyful, more grateful, and more attuned to the genuine beauty of God's creation.  Few people that I have known had a more immediate and profound impact on my life than Kim.  Her generous spirit, expansive love, and sensitivity to the needs of others made this world a better place.  When I gratefully count my blessings, Kim has been--and always will be--among the most precious.  May she rest in God's light and peace.  What a grace to have known her.  

To the Ward Family,

I am very saddended to hear of Kim's passing. She was an amazing person and I have many fond memories of her while growing up as your neighbor on Evesham Ave.  Everyone of you has a special place in my heart. God Bless and take care.

Rick (Rock) Hart,
Stafford, VA

Dear Adrienne,
I am so sorry to hear of Kim's passing. She fought the good fight. Please know that I'm holding her in the light, and thinking of you at this sad time. 

I was deeply saddened to hear the news that this wonderful, kind, generous soul had lost her battle with cancer. God has truly gained an angel. My heartfelt sympathies and condolences to you Adrienne and the family. May the memories you made together, be your strength and peace through these days ahead. God bless.

Kim Ward was truly a unique person.  She and I became friends when she was a Sargent in the BCPD.  She accompanied me and our friend Ruby to watch the launch of the Shuttle for the second servicing mission for the Hubble Telescope.  I valued her friendship and while we were not close recently I will miss her.  My condolences to her family, especially the Hahns.

On behalf of the Seton Alumnae Association, we wish to express our sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Kim Ward S75, especially to Carol and Joe McCormick and Greg and Dawn Ward.    Kim was truly loved and respected by all who knew her and she was strong in all her wonderful traits to the end.  God bless you Kim and all who have You in their memory and prayers.

Edda Rosskopf S56, Past President and Mary Anne Linardi S60, Past Secretary and Treasurer

Kim,
You were a credit to The Baltimore County Police Department.  You held some of the key positions, that I held.
 The notice of your death was like an arrow in my heart.  As you know, I was always very fond of you.  You will be missed by many coworkers, family, and friends.  Your untimely death was a shock to us all. 
 You will be long remembered, as you walk in the House of the Lord.  May God have mercy on you, and may you rest in eternal peace. 
 I'am living at Oak Crest due to my health conditions, and I am unable to attend the viewing and funeral due to the virus.  I will be there in spirit, but not in person.

With Grate Sorrow,
Frank G. Messina, Retired Colonel
Chief of Field Operations
Baltimore County Police Department

My sincere condolences to Kim's family and wife.  She was truly a unique individual and touched so many people from past to present.  She will be missed.  Rest in peace Kim.

Andrienne and family,   Kim and I met at about age 17 playing softball for the Perry Hall unlimited team. She was a great teammate and we always had a special bond... probably because we knew something about ourselves that others didn’t! Throughout the years we always ran into each other, whether at the tennis event with Martina Navratilova or just on the street heading to a Baltimore event.  I was always proud of knowing Kim as she rose through the police ranks... well deserved! Of course you and I went to college together so our circle of friends is small. I can only imagine losing your life partner but know you have a depth of friends to call on... even just to rehash those good old days. May God guide you through this pain and into the light. Much love and condolences. Karen Price

I was truly sorry to learn of Kim’s passing.  She had a special way of connecting with people.  She was a loving and caring person who made a positive difference in the lives of so many people.  I know she will be missed by Adrienne and her family.  I hope they find some comfort in knowing their sorrow is also shared by all who knew this special lady.  

I will always  remember Kim as a  warm  and sincere person. I knew her mostly through my husband, Marty and  our family’s involvement with Shop with a Cop.  She was a perfect example of how someone could be professional but still personally connect with people. . She was always happy to see our family. I never forgot that She came down to Hopkins  to visit Marty when he had surgery.  Thanks , Kim, for all you gave  to everyone you knew. 

Adrienne and The Ward Family,
May your memories guide you through this difficult time. To know that Kim is at peace and truly among angels bring you comfort. Kim always had a smile and kind word when seeing us and never forgot the connection of where we met. May she rest in eternal peace and perpetual light shine upon her.
Bill and Dorothy Bender



Kim you are a beautiful person inside and out! You will be greatly missed! Rest In Peace and run free Kim!!

I met her when I worked for US Senator Barbara Mikulski - at a meeting that brought together Hispanic/Latino professionals and residents of Baltimore County and various county agency reps. 
The issue? A growing Hispanic population and the need for equal and fair treatment, equal access, etc.

I spoke - can’t remember what I said - and Kim approached me after the meeting. We just connected.

She was truly amazing - sharp, inquisitive, open, always welcoming. She was eager to do the right thing.

I am saddened to learn of her death - our world has lost an amazing human being, a great leader, someone who truly wanted to make a difference. 

Rest in peace, Kim. We truly need more human beings, and more leaders, like you.

My deepest condolences to your loved ones. May the love and memories you shared bring them comfort during this difficult time.

I remember Kim when I was working at the Kung Fu school growing up in Essex. Kim was such a great lady with a Great soul, always positive, friendily and full of life. Her drive and dedication was really inspiring. Im so grateful to have known her, May she Rest In Peace.
Love & Blessings from Strider & 
the Baltimore Guardian Angels. 

Kim forever touched me and my family with her kindness and selfless acts of love. She was truly a “Lovey” as she called her sister , Lisa! How she made everyone in the room feel special by pulling each person aside and asking you about “How you were doing?” Her mission in life was to serve and to teach. She did both very well! In the past year Kim and I would text. Again, asking about me... empowering and building me up! Telling me how proud she was of me to be a strong women in business . I will cherish my memories of Thursday’s, special birthdays, and her legacy! Kim’s love will forever live on in each of you especially her wife, Siblings, nieces, and nephews. My family will be here for your family my dearest Kim! Rest In Peace and how blessed The Angels are to have you in Heaven! You will forever be in my ❤️ thank you for the life lessons my friend! 🙏🏻

Dear Ward Family,
We are thinking about you all and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Kim was a beautiful person inside and out. We were so blessed to have her in our lives. We will continue to to keep her memories alive by keeping her love in action  with her family and friends. May you Rest In Peace Kim. We will forever love you. Thank you for always loving us unconditionally! Love , ❌⭕️ 🙏❤️ Kim, Dave and Michael Dorsey

In the course of my job I was lucky to have crossed paths with Kim several times when she was with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.   I always found her to be very professional, cordial, and cooperative, and easy to work with.   She had a calm, easy going  manner, and I am very happy to have known her.   My heart goes out to all those she left behind, and I pray that she is in a much better place now.   May God bless and keep her in his warm embrace!

Kim was one of the finest people you could have had the pleasure of knowing. Kind, honest, and fair are the 3 words that best describe her and Kim’s dealing with people. Anyone who crossed her path was truly a better person for having known her.  The world is fortunate for having had her here but a poorer place due to her loss. 

As I worked with Towson Area Citizens On Patrol, Col Ward was always there to support us.  We appreciated all her kind words for our efforts.
Also, back about 10-12 years ago, I was at the Meyerhoff and saw her but did not recognize her. She approached me and said "Pat, do you know who I am?"   My response was, "Col Ward, I didn't recognize you with you clothes on!"  Of course, that was a slip of the tongue.  I had never seen her out of uniform!  We got a good laugh from that! 
My sympathies to her family.  She was a wonderful person.


I will always remember Kim’s kindness and her gentle approach to sharing knowledge. Rest In Peace Kim! 

I will surely miss Kim. I missed her the day after she left us at DPSCS. Kim showed me how a leader can be both tough and caring; she had such a big heart. Kim’s kindness and abundant generosity was, and will always be appreciated. Rest well my dear friend; Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel.

Kim, 
As you always told me to call you, my heart is sooo heavy right now, but I know God has you at peace now. You are my favorite patient and more like a friend, sometimes it felt like I’ve known you most of my life. We used to talk, laugh, cry together and I always enjoyed the advice you would give me. You are the most considerate, kindhearted down to earth. Firm, woman I know besides my mom: you remind me of her in some ways, lol even though you was sick you always made me smile or always found a way to warm our hearts at work, you really made me appreciate life more and not complain about the things we can’t control, Man this one really hurts, but I know your looking down telling me DeeDee make sure you finish school, I sure will make sure of that.  It always made me smile whne you called me DeeDee, if only I had one more time to talk to you, rest in paradise Kim, Love DeeDee💜

Ms. Ward, 

It was such a pleasure taking care of you. You will always hold a special place in my heart, as well as the rest of the Weinberg 4B staff. I will always remember your kind and encouraging words. I will always remember the 100 Grand candy bars that you would give us and you would say “You are worth 100 Grand.” You will truly be missed ❤️ 

My life as a nurse and as a human being is richer thanks to you, Kim.  I treasure every bedside conversation we had about family, books,  leadership, our professions, hope, death, the hereafter, nature, animals, God, and... your charmed life.  I think of all those pizzas you got for us on Weinberg 4B.  How about those Ritz crackers you sent to my house for the Old Man (aka Dad)!  I will always remember your favorite catch phrase:  "Love in action."  I will always remember TOWANDA!  I will always remember the Executive Director's spreadsheets.   You are so famously loved and adored.  Adrienne described you as a "connector of people." 
 Indeed-- you are.  May we continue to connect with each other in your memory.  You have the gift of making everyone in your presence feel so appreciated and special.  Thanks for sharing it with us, Kim.   

Kim was the ultimate professional law enforcement official.  She was a pioneer for women in the law enforcement  community and a leader in advocating for women in this profession.

I had the privilege of working with her on many projects and the daily administration of the department.  She was worked tirelessly for the good of the police department and the community we served. 

I will  always cherish the time I spent with her and the friendship that we shared.
Rest In Peace Mary Kim you were a faithful servant. 

So sad to here about the passing of Kim. My condolences to her family and  many friends. 
She was great leader of the Baltimore County Police Department  and it was my honor to serve with her. The police department as well as the citizens of Baltimore County were lucky to have such a kind and caring person serving their community. God bless you and your loved ones
Yours in Law Enforcement,
Retired Sgt. Andy Zelenka


Kim was in my graduating class of 1975 at Seton High School, making her forever a special part of my life.  I followed her career being so proud of her achievements.  Kim was funny, fun, athletically talented, and a lesson to all to go for what you want, know what's important, and you'll make your success.  Too soon, Kim.  Love, Edith

So extremely saddened by your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.  May God comfort and give you strength during this difficult time.   Kim was a remarkable women and a great friend.  Such a warrior, she fought so hard to stay.  May she Rest In Peace and her family and friends know we will meet up with her once again. 
Love to all
Sheila 

Sending condolences to Kim’s family and to Adrienne . I am so sorry for your loss . My husband and his family always spoke so highly of Kim . Grateful to have met her . Sending prayers and thoughts . 

I want to give my condolences to the Ward family and give my thoughts and prayers.  Kim was one of my mentors as I was coming up in the Police world. She inspired me with her professionalism and down to earth way. She will be missed. We have it from here Colonel. 

Tom Brannan
Federalsburg Police 

My very deepest sympathies to Kim’s family, her dear friends and to Adrienne, her beloved wife.  The world lost an amazing woman yesterday.  I was privileged to has been touched by her kindness, as I am certain many people have!  May she dwell in the House of the Lord forever.  Marsha Thompson 

I am so saddened to hear this news. I’m sending my deepest condolences to all of her friends and family as I know she definitely had lots of both. She was so kind and approachable. She truly cared about us all. One of the greats and gone way too soon. I know she will have our backs in heaven. 

OBITUARY

Mary Kim Ward

April 23, 1957 – August 7, 2020

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