Marilyn LaDuke Ward

Marilyn S. LaDuke Ward, 88, formerly of NYS Route 9N, Jay, died Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Elderwood of Uihlein at Lake Placid.
She was born in Paterson, New Jersey, February 1, 1937, the daughter of Alan and Frances (Maynard) Schall.
Her mother remarried Henry Maynard and moved to Schenectady. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in Schenectady in 1956. She also graduated from Plattsburgh State University in 1960, where she received her B.S. and a Master's degree in Education.
Marilyn taught kindergarten at AuSable Forks Elementary School. She retired from teaching in 1991, after 30 years. She enjoyed her career very much and the several generations of children.
In 1975, she married Norman D. Ward, and they did extensive traveling every spring and fall, to visit all parts of our country. Marilyn was raised in the Jewish faith but converted to the Methodist faith. She became a member of the Whiteface Community United Methodist Church in Wilmington. She has enjoyed being a volunteer at the Riverside Thrift Store for many years. Marilyn's many activities include knitting and reading and spending time with her family.
Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, Norman in 2019; and brother, Steven C. Schlamowitz of Schenectady.
Left to cherish the memory of Marilyn are, her daughter, Leslie (LaDuke) Hanson and her husband, Larry Gib Hanson of Lake Placid; son, Daryl LaDuke and his wife, Sheree of Goose Creek, SC; grandchildren, Jennifer Ball and husband, Ryan, Logan Hanson and companion, Charity Morford, Kresta Roy, Keara Hanson and Jessica and Kelly Taylor; great-grandchildren, Ryker Hanson, Trinity, Braden, and Alivia Baillargeon, Katherine Willette and Nolan Ball; sisters and brothers-in-law, Gene and Louise Nolan of Jay and George and Diane Ward of CA; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 12:30 pm at the Whiteface Community United Methodist Church in Wilmington. Her family will greet guests at the church beginning at 11:30 am. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Committal prayers and burial will be held in the spring in the Jay Central Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the AuSable Forks Volunteer Ambulance Service.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055.