Eloise A. Ward

On July 5, 2025, at the age of 100, Eloise Ward transitioned peacefully into her eternal home with her Lord. She enjoyed life to the fullest and completed her race with grace. Eloise Alexandrina Robertson Ward was born on April 28, 1925, in No. 41 West Coast Berbice, Guyana, to Nancy Saul and Samuel Robertson. Mom said that she was nicknamed "Janet" from infancy due to her resemblance to her maternal grandmother, who also shared the same name. Mom was known by her close family as Janet or Jan, as our Dad called her. Mom spent her early childhood with an adopted family. She shared that this family was very poor, yet her adopted mother, Ma, showered Mom with such love that she learned the meaning of "true riches". Up to the very end, Mom's life demonstrated this godly characteristic. Mom attended Central High School in the capital city of Georgetown, Guyana. She later obtained her "School Leaving Certificate" and desired to become a teacher. Her father, however, directed her to a career in nursing as this offered more opportunities for women. Mom trained and practiced as a nurse from the age of 19 and stayed in the same profession for 50 years. Mom loved nursing. She worked for the Department of Health in Guyana, primarily in hospitals and outpatient public health centers. The family migrated to the US in the mid-70s, and Mom continued nursing in private practice, hospitals, and at geriatric facilities. Mom was also an excellent teacher, as she shared, instructed, and helped others in so many disciplines throughout her entire adult life.
Eloise Ward had multiple passions: She loved her family. She married Fitzgerald Ward, a Barbadian, after a relatively short courtship. The two were married for 63 years until his passing in 2019. While the two were quite different, they had much in common, especially their sense of humor, and they were able to laugh through every season of life. Mom loved her children, Ann/Andrea, Charleen, and her grandchildren, Cherish and Emma, as well as other adopted children and grandchildren, including Josh, who entered and became part of her family over the years. She counseled us on how to conduct ourselves in every environment, encouraging us to strive for the highest possible education. She taught us how to manage money and modeled how to live godly lives. Most importantly, Mom demonstrated to us how to love others.
Mom was gifted in hospitality – she went out of her way to make others feel comfortable and special in her home. Mom would remember any favorite food or drink that her guests enjoyed and make sure to prepare it the next time they visited. She loved to cook, bake, and make fruit drinks. Her guests enjoyed her chicken chow mein, her black cake, and sorrel drink, to name a few. Mom loved to travel. She was blessed to have traveled to five continents (over 23 countries). In addition, Mom loved to give. When she learned about giving to God, she made tithing and giving offerings a priority. Even on a fixed income, a part of her budget was devoted to blessing Christian ministries. Many times, guests visiting the Ward home would leave with something (food, a recipe, clothing, money, a scriptural book). Mom especially liked giving to those less fortunate, whether in Guyana or here in the US – she never forgot her modest roots.
While Mom lived a relatively good life, she was completely transformed when she received Jesus as her Savior at the age of 65. The very first time she attended Faith Fellowship Ministries (FFM), she heard the gospel preached in a way that made the bible come alive. Mom was baptized and joined the local church. Shortly thereafter, she began serving as a greeter and took that position very seriously. Mom absolutely loved participating in International Pastors and Ministers Conferences, and our family adopted many of the foreign pastors and ministers who attended. She also became a part of FFM's Prayer Ministry and remained a fervent intercessor. Mom was still praying for our family shortly before her passing. She knew that her prayers were eternal.
Janet Ward was predeceased by her brothers, Persaud Ross, Milton Ross, Oswald Ross, Philip Ross, and Tun Ross, as well as her sisters, Annie Boulyn Ross and Lady May Ross. Mom leaves to cherish her memories: her children, Andrea and Charleen; her grandchildren, Cherish and Emma; her sisters, Ruby Fausett and Phillipa Ross; and members of the Saul, Ross, Mona, and Ward families, along with a host of nieces, nephews, dear friends, and the EPIC Church International family. Mom is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her faith, her deep love for her extended family and friends, and her generosity of spirit. She will be greatly missed.
Friends and relatives are invited to a visitation for Eloise on Saturday July 12, 2025 from 8AM to 10AM at Day Funeral Home 361 Maple Place Keryport, New Jersey 07735.
A funeral service will be offered for Eloise at 10AM at the funeral home.
Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery of Middletown.
To Offer the family of Eloise your condolences or for directions to our funeral home please do so here at our website www.dayfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Eloise Ward of Keyport, New Jersey can be made to:
Samaritan's Purse P.O Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607 https://www.samaritanspurse.org
A live stream of the funeral service will be available via Zoom at 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/88455379126?pwd=5bH6p8bZqZGV1aqeCK2ClWOYeapfxp.1
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