Catherine "Cathy" M. Ward

Catherine “Cathy” M. Ward died peacefully after a brief illness on February 11, 2025, with her family by her side. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Ward, and her brother, Charles Hoarty. She is survived by her sister, Mary Svilarich, son, Mark Ward, daughter-in-law, Karen Ward, sons-in-law, Phillip Reyes and Chris Doughton, twin daughters, Sheila Ward-Reyes and Sandy Doughton, six grandchildren, Mark Jr., James, John, Evan, Skye, and Sienna, two great grandchildren, Amelia and Lilly, numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Cathy was born and raised in Sutton, Nebraska. She was a veteran of the legendary Women’s Air Force. She was a talented artist, writer, and storyteller with a steel trap memory, often sharing stories of her youth with detail and accuracy. Cathy had a wonderful laugh, great wit, and appreciation for humor. She always had a twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes - be it good-hearted mischief or curiosity - and a passion for learning, reading dozens of novels a year as well as enjoying multiple newspaper and magazine subscriptions.

Cathy never met a dog or cat that she did not like, and the feeling was mutual from those four-legged friends. She is also survived by her beloved grant pets, Holly, Sunshine, and Winter. Her unrealized dream was to open an animal sanctuary. Cathy was a born nurturer: affectionate, empathetic, and caring. She was selfless and generous and lived with a contentment that reflected her humble nature. She loved her family and friends deeply.

Cathy will be interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of many animal welfare organizations in San Antonio, including the Animal Defense League of Texas, San Antonio Humane Society, San Antonio Pets Alive!, or Footbridge Foundation