Marilyn G. Ward, 89, of Douglassville, PA passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Amity Place. Born in West Reading, PA on August 15, 1934, she was a daughter to the late Albert Gudemann and Blanche (Baltz) Gudemann.
Marilyn earned her Bachelor's degree from Kutztown University and her Master's degree from Bloomsburg University. She dedicated 23 1/2 years, with Berwick Area School District fostering a deep appreciation for language and culture. As a teacher, she inspired countless students with her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to the Spanish language. Her linguistic expertise extended beyond the classroom, as she also found joy in the art of translation.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Marilyn was equally known for her love of cats. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading novels, especially mysteries and traveling. Marilyn, together with her late husband, shared a passion for trading and collecting antiques that led them to establish an antique shop, where they curated a collection of treasures with stories of their own. In addition to her love for cats, traveling, literature and antiques, Marilyn had a deep appreciation for the theatre and performing arts; she found joy in the magic of the stage.
Her legacy lives on in the students she taught, the words she translated, the treasures she collected, and the memories she created. As we mourn the loss of a remarkable woman, let us celebrate Marilyn's vibrant spirit. She will be missed by all blessed enough to have known her.
Marilyn's spirit will be carried on by her granddaughter Marilia Stewart and her husband Chad; her 2 grandsons Danny Serff and his fiancé Noreen Annabelli and Andre Roberto. Marilyn also leaves behind 4 great grandchildren Amir Clemente, Israel Roberto, Makayla Roberto and Andre "AJ" Roberto Jr. to cherish her memory.
In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Harry A. Ward and her son Craig B. Serff.
Services and burial at Berks County Memorial Gardens will be private and at the discretion of her family.
