Ann Ward
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Ann Ward, 82, passed away on the morning of March 6, 2022 at age 82. She is survived by her husband Charles, her children Carol and Douglas Ward, and three grandchildren: Rick, Warren and Zoe Flinn. She was preceded in death by her brother Richard Langdon.
Ann was born in Des Moines, Iowa on July 11, 1939, the daughter of Herschel and Ethel Langdon. A graduate of Northwestern University, she married Charles Ward in 1961 following her graduation. The couple first lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts for six years while Charles earned his graduate degree. Both children were born in Cambridge.
The couple moved to Hinsdale, Illinois in 1967. Re-entering the work force she was employed as an elementary school secretary at Oak School in Hinsdale where she retired after 21 years of service. At her retirement the school honored her with a plaque and her picture mounted just outside the school office.
Following her retirement in 1998 she and Charles moved to Columbia to be near her grandchildren as they were born and grew up. She was active in a number of Columbia Newcomers groups for the remainder of her life, including the canasta, bunco, book and walking groups. She served as chair of the book group for many years.
Ann’s life was especially notable for teaching and living the value and love of family as well as her service to all her extended family members.
Interests she shared with Charles were a love of travel; the couple made trips to foreign countries virtually every year from 1985 through 2019. For many years they also enjoyed the summer concert series of the Missouri Symphony Society at the Missouri Theater in downtown Columbia.
A gathering of friends will be held Sunday, March 20, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 616 Jackson St., Columbia, MO 65203, with eulogies to be shared at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Missouri Symphony Society at themosy.org.
Visits: 2
I was so lucky to have known Ann. She was kind and witty and it was always a pleasure being around her. She was so intelligent and I learned a lot from her. I enjoyed playing Bunco and Canasta with her through Newcomers. I enjoyed hearing about all of her travels and always looked forward to hearing about the next one. I will always have very fond memories of Ann. She will be greatly missed.
Many prayers for all of you in this time of your great loss.
Ann and I worked together at Oak School in Hinsdale, IL for 21 years. Everyone, the teachers, staff and students loved Ann and her kindly manor. This was especially true of the students who needed comfort once in a while. When the new rules about touching students evolved, she complained she couldn’t even give a student a hug or put a bandage on a scraped knee. Ann’s portrait hangs in the Oak School entrance as a reminder of her service to the school. She was a wonderful person and the portrait keeps her memory alive.
Ann was the secretary at Oak School when I came to work there as a teacher in 1991. She became a fast friend and I even “cat sat” for her when she & Charlie went on one of their many travels. Ann was so welcoming to me when I started at Oak School. She was always there with whatever I needed whether it was a supply or an ear to listen or just an exchange of stories. Ann’s wit & sense of humor sustained me on many occasions. She truly was an amazing, wonderful person. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.
Peace and prayers during this time.
I am so very sorry to learn that Ann has passed. I had the privilege of working at Oak School with Ann from 1992-1998. She was always a wonderfully cheerful, friendly spirit with whom to begin the day. She was a bright, funny and compassionate soul who was sincere in her warm Interactions with children, parents and colleagues. She was an extraordinary human being who I have never forgotten.
Sending prayers for peace to you all.
Ann was a gift to Oak School staff, students and families, as well as all those she mentored across the district. I worked with her in Hinsdale District 181 and was often meeting at Oak School. Her loving smile and love for travel is evident in the family memories. My prayers to all as you cherish her wonderful life.