Ann Ward Buetow

Ann Marie Ward Buetow, age 92, passed away peacefully at home on October 11, 2022 with her husband Gerald and four of her seven children by her side. She was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on November 4, 1929 to James Ward and Mary Devine. The third oldest of six children, Ann was the only girl. Despite the times, Ann was raised much like her brothers and was taught early on that there was nothing she could not do or achieve. A trait she has passed on to her children.

Ann graduated from Battin High School in 1947, Barnard College in 1951 and the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1955. A trailblazer, she was a first generation college graduate and one of only four women in her medical school graduating class. Ann completed her residency in pediatrics at Nassau University Medical Center (FKA Meadowbrook Hospital), East Meadow, NY. While in her residency program, Ann met her future husband, Gerald Buetow, who was a surgical intern at the time. They wed in 1958 and remained on Long Island for the next thirty nine years spending the majority of that time in West Islip, NY. Ann practiced pediatrics throughout the marriage with compassion and skill while still managing to raise seven children. She retired as the Medical Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Clinic in Wyandanch, NY. which served the surrounding underserved community.

Notwithstanding her many accomplishments, Ann’s greatest achievement was that of being a mother to her seven children. Despite working, she always managed to have time to get everybody to where they needed to be, help with homework, get dinner on the table (before big box stores were ever invented), do laundry (even if it meant staying up until 2:00a.m.) and still have time to always be present for her children. She was an incredibly patient person and despite all the chaos she never lost her temper. Ann was devoted to her children. She was her children’s best friend, mentor, confidant, biggest cheerleader and biggest supporter. Ann had the unique ability to make each of her children feel as if they were the most special person in the world but never at the expense of their siblings. There will never be anyone quite like her. She will be sorely missed.

In 1997 Ann and Gerald retired to Williamsburg, VA. They first moved to Governors Land and later moved to Windsor Meade, a retirement community. Throughout her life, Ann was a fierce competitor. One of her biggest regrets was that she was born too early to compete in organized women's sports. Ann had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, loved to challenge herself and never shied away from learning new things. She never grew tired of traveling to her beloved Ireland or listening to the Wolfe Tones. Ann loved dogs and was an avid reader. There was never a time that she did not have a book in her hand or a dog by her side.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers - John (Jack) Ward, James Ward, Jr., Robert Ward, Alfred Ward and Peter Ward.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-four years, Gerald William; her children, Michael Patrick (Regina McGill), Peter Christopher (Sara Kilpatrick), Jennifer Ann (James Catterson), Gerald William, Jr. (Patricia Pateri), Mary Clare (Timothy Sullivan), Elizabeth Ann (Michael DeGrandpre) and Stephen John (Naomi Sullivan); eighteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and her dog, Louie.

Mass will be at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg at 12:00 pm on November 14, 2022 immediately followed by the Final Commitment at the Columbarium located on the grounds of St. Bede.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Kindred Hospice, 203 Bulifants Blvd., Ste B, Williamsburg, VA 23188 or to MAESSR (Mid Atlantic English Springer Spaniel Rescue) at PO Box 807 Goochland, VA 23063. Condolences may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.