CECELIA P. "DEDE" WARD

Cecelia P. "Dede" (Colarusso) Ward died suddenly on Sunday October 27, 2002 at Hudson Valley Hospital Center. She was the daughter of the late Andrew and Julia (Nordone) Colarusso. Loving and devoted wife of the late Robert Francis "Bob" Ward Sr. who predeceased her in November 1996. Dede is fondly remembered for her love and affection for her family, friends, church and community. Born September 19, 1929 in Mount Vernon Hospital; she married Bob Ward on April 7, 1956 at Mount Carmel Church in Mount Vernon. After briefly living in NYC and Mount Vernon, she and Bob moved to Cortlandt Manor in 1965 to raise their family. She retired from Hudson Valley Hospital Center in October 1994 after 15 years of service. Over the past several years, she served as a volunteer at her church, Church of the Holy Spirit, Hudson Valley Hospital Center and Caring for the Homeless of Peekskill Soup Kitchen. She enjoyed attending activities and traveling with Nor-Cort Citizens Group, playing cards and visiting with friends, cheering on her NY Yankees and, most importantly, attending sport, dance, musical, school and church events of her beloved grandchildren. Dede is survived by her cherished daughters and sons: Mary Mraz (husband Jim) of Johnstown, NY; Theresa Thomas (husband Michael) of Exeter, PA; Robert Ward Jr. (wife Jacqueline) of Pleasant Valley, NY; Andrew Ward (wife Anita) of Geneva, Switzerland; Jack Ward (wife Lori) of Mahopac, NY and Jeanne Grant (husband Alfonso) of Ossining, NY. She was the devoted grandmother of Kelly and Kristin Mraz, Katie and Anna Thomas, Quinton Ward, Madelyn and Olivia Ward, Frankie and Johnnie Ward and Alexis Grant. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Amanda Ward in 1994. She was looking forward to the upcoming birth of her 12th grandchild. Dede was the loving sister of Virginia "Ginny" Petraglia (husband Francis) of Foster City, CA, and the aunt and cousin of a large, extended family. She is also survived by many dear friends, including Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Anderson and John "Jack" O'Hara, both of whom were attendants at Bob and Dede's wedding. Dede was a kind and gentle woman who will be greatly missed by all. Visiting Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Thursday, 10 am at the Church of the Holy Spirit. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: Hudson Valley Hospital Center, 1980 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY, 10567. JOSEPH F. NARDONE FUNERAL HOME 414 Washington St, Peekskill (914)737-1363