Ann M (Colantuono) Ward

Ann Marie (Colantuono) Ward, passed away peacefully on June 29 in her home at the age of 96.  She was born in Pietradefusi, Campania, Italy on March 3, 1926 to Rosaria (Cimildoro) and Antonio Colantuono. The family emigrated to the United States in 1932, residing in Hyde Park, where Ann graduated from high school.  She married William Ward, an engineer, in 1944. They raised their seven children in Norwood, MA, where Mrs. Ward was active in parent-teacher organizations for decades. She proudly volunteered with the Women’s Community Committee of Norwood for 50 years. She was a constant reader, an accomplished cook, and a devoted bridge player. She was a beloved host mother to exchange students from three countries who became integral members of her family.In 1982 she and her husband moved to Sharon to establish Ward’s Berry Farm, growing fruits, berries and vegetables on 180 acres. Widowed shortly after the move, Mrs. Ward partnered with sons Bob and Jim, establishing the farm kitchen and expanding the operation. She worked lovingly and tirelessly, continuing to bake and to coach kitchen staff well into her eighties. She delighted in sharing the farm with visitors.  She pruned blueberry bushes in the winter, reveled in the emergence of color in the greenhouses each spring, and would harvest berries into her hat if necessary.  Ann was the beloved wife of the late William A. Ward, Jr.  Devoted mother of Barbara Reitz and her husband Walter, Patricia Nathanson and her husband David, Joyce Ward and her husband Harry Jacobson, William Ward, Robert Ward, James Ward and his wife Ann, Julie Drew and her husband James.  Cherished sister of Rosemarie Mariano and the late Nicolas Colantuono, Valia "Ellie" Barczak, Carmella "Millie" DeNapoli, Josephine Beauchamp and Elizabeth Kelly.  Loving "Granny" of Emily Ascolese, Andrew Reitz, William Ward, Katie Ward, Liam Reitz, Matthew Nathanson, Molly Jacobson, Allison Roberge, Clark Jacobson, Caroline Ward, Samuel Ward, Elizabeth Pratt, Daniel Ward, Felix Ward, Henry Ward, Liam Drew, Hannah Drew and Lucinda Ward.  Great grandmother of Ilaria, Renata, Doug, Jimmy, Ophelia, Emmett and Shane.  Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends  Funeral from the Alexander F. Thomas & Sons Funeral Home, 45 Common Street, Walpole, MA Thursday July 7th at 9:00AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Sharon, MA at 10AM.  Visiting hours will be held Wednesday evening from 4-8PM at the Funeral Home.  Interment at Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton, MA.  Relatives and friends invited.  Please, in lieu of flowers, all donations can be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 59 Cottage Street, Sharon, MA or the Norwood Women Community Committee (WCC), 1091 Washington Street, Norwood, MA.

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