Castleton- Marie B. Ward

Marie B. Ward 93 passed way surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday evening October 16, 2024.

She was born June 23, 1931, in Ira, VT the daughter of Harry and Bessie (Wardwell) Berg.

Marie was a graduate of West Rutland High School, class of 1949.

She married Raymond Ward on June 3, 1950 in Ira, VT and the couple made their home on top of Pond Hill in Castleton. Marie was a farm wife, helping with the hay, tending to the animals, and raising four children.

Marie worked for many years at the Castleton Medical Center where she kept the place running smoothly by cooking and cleaning. Marie enjoyed making lunch for all the staff! She then worked at the Rutland Regional Medical Center as a floor secretary. Marie retired from RRMC in 1997 and turned her talents to helping clean for others. Marie took on several cleaning accounts including the Castleton Free Library where she ensured the building was well tended for many years.

Marie served as Worthy Matron for Gilman Chapter #88 O.E.S. for many years. In her earlier years she belonged to the Home Dem (UVM Extension). Marie served as Grand Adah in the Grand Chapter of the State of Vermont Eastern Star.

Marie Ward was famous for her yellow cake with Maple Sugar Frosting. No matter what the event- it was the number one request! Marie was impressive in the kitchen!

Above all, family was most important to Marie, and she had a big one. Marie hosted family Sunday Dinners at her house on Pond Hill for most of her life and was always willing to host the holiday meal. Marie enjoyed camping, whether she and Ray were towing the camper to take the grandkids for a week at Half Moon, or she was going to spend a few days with someone else- she loved going and getting away.

Marie was an amazing woman, she was the true embodiment of an Old School Vermont Woman, who farmed, rode four-wheelers, camped, saw struggles, trials and tribulations, saw the world change (a lot), and still did things on her own terms.

She is survived by her four children: two sons, Kenneth Ward & his wife June, of Castleton VT, and Robert Ward & his wife Carrie, of Castleton VT; two daughters, Kathy Hayes & her husband Mark, of Carroll ME, and Nancy Ward, of Castleton VT. Marie is survived by her brother Donald Berg, of Ira Vermont; and her nine grandchildren: Jean Marie Bell & her husband Tony (VT), Jesse Miller & his wife Nicole (CA), James Julius & his wife Naomi (NC), Amanda Turcotte & her husband Ryan (ME), Alison Patterson (VT), Charles Ward and fiancé Sarah (NY), Hillary Ward (VT), Kelsie O'Keefe and her husband Nick (VT), and Molly Haynes and her husband Justin (VT). Marie is survived by 20 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren in the family.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday October 23, 2024 at 2 P.M. at the Ducharme Funeral Home located at 1939 Main Street, Castleton. Calling hours will be from 1 P.M. until the time of the service at 2 P.M.

Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gilman Chapter # 88 O.E.S.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ducharme Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.ducharmefuneralhome.com

Zoom Link

Topic: Ward Funeral

Time: Oct 23, 2024 01:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7610193505?pwd=AQpljxon0xaSPv7m4cvycuEArqb4PF.1&omn=83882306726

Meeting ID: 761 019 3505

Passcode: Ward