Jeanne Ward

Jeanne Ward, age 83, of Naugatuck entered into rest on Friday, August 11, 2023 at her home.  She was the devoted wife of William C. Ward for over 63 years.  Jeanne was born on May 11, 1940 in Norfolk, NE, daughter of the late John and Pearl (Staudenmaier) Shonka.  

Jeanne was a brilliant woman with a mind for numbers and problem solving. Jeanne used her intelligence to work for the State of CT, Department of Special Revenue for over 20 years before her retirement. Jeanne’s home was a special place, filled with rich history, laughter, love, and family. She was a devout Catholic, and active parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church, teaching catechism for many years. Her faith was an inspiration to all her friends and family. It is because of that faith that we know Jeanne has entered the kingdom of heaven and is watching over us now, sending us her love and guidance. We know that our grief is only our endless love for her persevering, and that we will see her again.

Jeanne was a proud Naugatuck Citizen and was involved with several local organizations to include, the Democratic Town Committee and the Right to Life, as well as a member of the Human Resource and Development Board. Jeanne had a love of adventure and traveled the world with her husband. They traveled to New Hampshire regularly to go leaf peeping and to see Mount Washington, walked along the beaches of the Caribbean, shopped in the streets of Germany and hiked the emerald hills of Ireland. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and adored her grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, William of Naugatuck, Jeanne is survived by her children, Lorinda Jean Bickley and her husband, Robert of Middlebury; Atty. William J. Ward and his wife, Margaret of Torrington; and Jillkerry Toolan and her husband, Brian of New York City.  Jeanne also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Billy, Jacqueline Jean and Tristan Mayes, Cat and Ryan Holub-Ward, Bobby, Jack, Kirsten, Olympia and Brian; her sister, Linda Grabauskas of Waterbury; and her brother, David Shonka and his wife, Angie of Clifton, VA. She was predeceased by her son Bobby Ward and her brother-in-law, Richard Grabauskas, who she is with now, joyfully reunited for eternity. We love you always, Jeanne. 

Friends may greet Jeanne’s family at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Naugatuck, 201 Meadow Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770 on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 5PM until 7PM.  On Wednesday, August 16, 2023 her funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 10:15AM for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11AM in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church St., Naugatuck.  Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery, Cross St., Naugatuck.  To leave online condolences for her family, please visit www.fordfh.com 

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