Marguerite M. "Margie" Ward

Marguerite O'Malley Ward, "Margie", passed away peacefully on December 24, 2021. Margie, ever a fighter in every aspect of the definition, battled her illness with grace and determination while managing to keep her legendary sense of humor and a firm resolve. Born on March 12, 1937 in Rogers Park, IL., Margie was the youngest of five children. She proudly enjoyed a devout Catholic upbringing including attending Marywood High School for Girls, Maryville College and Barat College. In 1960, while working at Walston & Co., she caught the eye of a young lawyer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After a quick romance, Margie married Thomas ("Tom") Patrick Ward on June 3, 1961. They went on to raise their four children in Lake Forest, IL. With the exception of a 2 year work re-location in Breda, Netherlands, Margie and Tom spent the remainder of their life in Lake Forest, sending their children to school there and involving themselves in community work. Margie was essentially a "lifer" on The Women's Board of Lake Forest Hospital and she dedicated her volunteer hours to both the Trading Post located in Market Square as well as to a variety of roles at Lake Forest Hospital. Lake Forest was the foundation for lifelong friendships that carried Margie and Tom through all of life's milestones. Known for her quick wit, unwavering devotion to family and friends, and her unique ability to connect with friends and relatives across all generations, Margie was admired and respected. She was also known for her flair for fashion. A model for many local fashion shows, clothiers favored her for her stately composure and her graceful presence. She was a spirited competitor, a force on the tennis court, an enthusiastic bridge partner and a willing participant in a heated game of Scrabble with her grandchildren. More than anything, though, it was her pride in and love for her family that stood out most about Margie. Whether it was helping to care for her newborn triplet grandchildren or tending to her beloved husband in his final years, she was reliable, comforting, and capable. Margie's legacy will be carried on by her loving family: Jenny (W. Collins), Pat (Laurie), Sheila (Joe Lamb), Mary (Chris Bires) and Margie's twelve adoring grandchildren: Kelsey, Ross, Nicholas, Tommy, Megan, Grace, Lucy, Michael, Elizabeth, Kevin, Maggie, and Sarah. She is pre-deceased by her devoted husband of 56 years. Margie's family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to her devoted caretakers and to JourneyCare for their unwavering and loving attention to her in her final time with us. Thanks to their professional and compassionate care, Margie was able to be at home surrounded by those who loved her most. Please, in lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Journey Care (www.journeycare.org). A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 8 at 10:00am at the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person at https://www.facebook.com/ChurchofStMaryLF/videos/. For more information, contact Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest at 847-234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com.