Gloria D. Ward

Obituary for Gloria Dorothy (Shane) Ward
Gloria Dorothy (Shane) Ward, born August 6, 1932, a beloved mother, grandmother,
great-grandmother, aunt, sister, sister-in-law and friend, passed away peacefully on March 24,
2025, surrounded by her loving family. Gloria was a strong persevering woman, ahead of her
time, who thrived into her tenth decade of life and leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and
resilience.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Freeport, Long Island, Gloria carried the warmth of her
family roots throughout her life. At the age of five Gloria lost her father Edward James Shane.
She learned resilience and perseverance through the model-ship of her widowed mother Violet
Shane. She later moved to Westchester, where she met the love of her life, Thomas J. Ward.
They settled in Westminster Ridge. Together, they raised their three daughters providing a home
full of laughter, love, and support. This grew into three generations of her descendants who
continue to expand upon those values, while building their families in that very same
neighborhood where Gloria and Tom built theirs. She was a force to be reckoned with, a guiding
light in their lives, and continues to be a beacon of grace, wisdom, and devotion.
Gloria enjoyed a distinguished career in banking, where she was pioneer as a female banking
executive, retiring as Senior Vice President from both the Bank of New York and Hudson Valley
Bank respectively. Her professional achievements were a testament to her sharp intellect, hard
work, and dedication. She was highly respected among her colleagues and was known for her
leadership and commitment to excellence.
A devout Catholic and parishioner of Holy Name of Jesus Church in Valhalla, NY, Gloria was
also an active member in the Rosary Altar Society, where her faith and generosity were evident
to all who knew her. She was also a proud member of the Women's Club in White Plains, NY,
where she formed lasting friendships and contributed to her community with the same warmth
and grace she showed in every aspect of her life.
Gloria took great joy in the small moments-golfing in many women's leagues throughout
Westchester, gathering with friends and family for card games, sharing stories, and creating
memories that will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to be in her presence. One of
her greatest loves was spending time with her family at Seaside Park, where she reveled in the
simple joys of life-sun, sand, the laughter of her loved ones, and of course her one story home.
Whether it was a family gathering, or an intimate moment with a loved one, Gloria cherished
every second spent in the company of those who mattered most to her.
Gloria is survived by her three daughters, Colleen Iodice (John), Eileen Masseo (George
predeceased), and Patricia Ward; six grandchildren, Sean Iodice (Tara), Patrick Masseo
(Kathleen), Erica Iodice, Emily, Thomas, and Daniel Masseo; three great-grandchildren, Chase
and Blake Iodice, and Shane Masseo, one grand-puppy, Mazie and one great grand puppy
Kendall, all of whom will miss her deeply. She is also survived by a host of nieces, great nieces
and nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones who were touched by her kindness and
compassion.
Though she will be deeply missed, Gloria's memory will live on in the countless lives she
impacted. Her love, laughter, and spirit will forever echo in the hearts of her family, friends, and
all who knew her.
Visitation will be held at McMahon, Lyon & Hartnett Funeral Home on March 26 from 4:00-7:00
PM. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Valhalla, NY on
Thursday at 10:00AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to PEACE OUTside Campus, http://www.peaceoutsidecampus.org/
The Woman's Club of White Plains,https://www.womansclubofwhiteplains.org/acts-of-kindness/p/scholarshipdonation or Feeding Westchesterhttps://feedingwestchester.org/get-involved/donate/ in Gloria's honor.
May she rest in peace, surrounded by eternal love