Obituary of Barbara Kae Ward
Mrs. Barbara Ward 1931-2019
Barbara Kae Thomson-Ward passed October 4, 2019 at 9:30 pm, peacefully in her sleep. Born 1931, Barbara lived a full life of 88 years living her entire life in the Rochester NY area.
She was born in Boston the daughter of George and Eta Thomson. In childhood she lived on Britton Road in Rochester and attended #42 school on Lake Ave. Here she met her future husband John William Ward. They married while John was enlisted in 1941. They remained married their entire lives. Barbara was blessed with her marriage to her first and only love of her life.
Together they raised 8 children. Barbara figured out how to keep 8 kids in line and moving forward. Quite an accomplishment.
After raising part of their family, Mr. and Mrs. Ward moved from Shore Acres Dr. in Greece to Canadice NY from 1971 to 2013. Here she enjoyed most of her time with her husband in the rural, quiet lifestyle on a hillside gentleman’s farm.
Her family was her life and she never stopped being the Mom. Well after the children reached adult age she could be found handing out advice or scolding misbehavior. Barbara had said she always wanted a large family. She got her life’s wish. She took on the responsibility of raising her children by teaching each life’s lessons, work ethics, moral character, even correcting grammatical errors and table manners. She also stepped up with the challenges. And with 6 boys, there were many. The injuries, the corrections, and challenges that life deals out sometimes. Understandably, at times it was a test of her patience and sanity. Like getting 8 children in a van, towing a camper, and driving all across the country on summer vacations. All while coordinating, the routes, reservations, food, and refereeing fidgety kids. A testimony to their devotion and generosity to this day her children are all still “friends”.
But she was unwavering in wanting the best for her children. Her and John’s generosity to their children were quite evidence with the monster sized Christmas gifting, all on a limited budget.
Some of her other favorite things were her ceramic bird collection, carved stone statuettes, music, watching and feeding the wildlife, and taking in the valley view from the porch. She certainly had her sweet tooth. And of course taking pictures of the kids. Always with the camera. What a pain for the kids at the time. But she corralled them. And now they greatly appreciate having those memories. Barbara would never complain about the money, the pressure, or the unappreciative youngsters. The sacrifices she and John made. That we only begin to realize when we grow up and have children ourselves and could see a better perspective that comes with the knowledge of age.
Barb spent her last years in good health and comfort but in later years suffered dementia.
After a life of 8 children and a 50+ year marriage, the tried and true saying fits her. Rest in peace. Finally she gets her rest. She earned it.
Friends may call on THURSDAY October 10, 2019 from 4 – 7 PM at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. (3325 Winton Road South) with a Prayer Service to follow in the Interfaith Chapel of the funeral home at 7 PM. Click HERE for directions to the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smile Train in Barbara’s memory. Click HERE to donate online.