Jean Ward Peckham

Middletown, RI - Jean Simpson Ward Peckham, 84, Formerly of Aquidneck Place, Portsmouth and Dudley Avenue South, Middletown, died on Wednesday, November 17, 2004, at Forest Farm Health Care Center.She was the wife of Alford S. Peckham whom she married in July of 1995 and the former wife of the late George F. Ward Jr. Born in Newport, RI on October 13, 1920, she was the daughter of late George and Ethel Pindar Simpson. Mrs. Peckham graduated from Rogers High School, class of 1939 and attended Milgrim Secretarial School in Newport. After managing Newport Restoration and Crafts in the Old Brick Market, she owned and operated the former Newport Bridal Shop of 224 Bellevue Avenue. She was a member of St. Pauls United Methodist Church in Newport, and was a member of their Sunshine Circle and also a longtime volunteer in their thrift shop. Mrs. Peckham was a member of the Ida Lewis Doll Club of Newport and the Middletown Senior Center. Her love of travel took her to China, Alaska and Scotland. Her grandfather James Simpson was a noted landscape artist and one of the early founders fo the Newport Art Association. Besides her husband she is survived by two sons Robert S. Ward of New Windsor, NY, and Alan M. Ward of Elkton, MD, five grandchildren Carrie Banaszewski, Melissa Hyland, and Graham, Chris and Brian Ward, her brother Alan Simpson of Cranston, RI and several great grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Stanley and George Simpson.A Committal service will be held on Sunday, November 21, 2004, at 11:00am following the 10:00 service in St. Pauls Methodist Church, 12 Marlborough Street, Newport.Donations in her memory may be made to St. Pauls United Methodist Church, 12 Marlborough Street, Newport.