Elsie Irene Ward

Middletown, R.I. Elsie Irene Stewart Ward, 87, died Saturday, November 25, 2006 at Grand Islander Health Care Center in Middletown after a short illness. She was the wife of the late Abner Stoddard Ward. Born in Conrad, Iowa on August 14, 1919, she was the daughter of Burton Allen and Nina McClain Stewart. She is survived by Wayne Conrad Ward of Everett, Mass., Steven Charles Ward and his wife Suzie Limparis Ward of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Norman Stewart Ward and his wife Patricia Ann King of Burlington, Vermont. She leaves four grandchildren, Amy, Sally, Patrick, and Alexander. She was the fourth child of nine children; Francis, Doris, Wayne, Ada, Sarah, Barbara, Allen, and Robert. Elsie graduated from Conrad High School, Conrad, Iowa in 1936, attended Marshalltown Junior College, and graduated from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1940. She taught music in the public schools of Palmer, Onowa, and Ames, Iowa for five years before joining the USO during World War II and being assigned to Newport, Rhode Island in 1945. She joined the First Presbyterian Church in Newport and married Abner on February 16, 1947. She was a dedicated soprano member of the church choir for many years as well as a founding member of the Questors social group. In addition, she served as a deacon and taught Sunday school. She became a church organist in 1960 and served in that capacity at several local churches. She was known as a sought after accompanist for many local musical events including receptions at Belcourt Castle.One of her greatest gifts was passing along her love of music to her three sons and their children. She was a tireless volunteer in many civic and church activities including the Board of the Middletown Free Library. She was especially grateful for the fellowship and support provided by the Newport Electric Corporation retiree group. She also was very happy over the past year in her new home at Blenheim Newport, participating in the drama group and providing piano accompaniment for numerous events.A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 11 am in Newport Memorial Park, Howland Avenue, Middletown.Calling hours will be held Monday, November 27, 2006 from 3-5 and 7-9 pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be scheduled in the future at the First Presbyterian Church, Newport. Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the First Presbyterian Church, Equality Park, Newport, R.I. 02840.