Jacqueline "Jackie, Jack" Ward

1935 - 2025

CUBA - With sincerity and sorrow of heart, we offer the news of the passing of Jacqueline "Jackie, Jack" Granger Ward, aged 89 years old.

On April 16, 1935, our beautiful mother was born and raised in West Seneca, until in 1947 when her family moved to Belfast. Parents, Gerald Floyd Granger Sr. and Dorothy Wilhelmina Elsaesser, and her treasured siblings.

Jackie graduated from Belfast Central School in 1947.

Mom married our father, Lawrence William "Larry" Ward Oct. 23, 1954, in Belfast, where they lived until 1956. Mom and dad then made a home in Friendship. First they found their home on Moss Brook Road in Friendship until Feb. 15, 1964, then they moved to Pennsylvania Avenue, Jackie's dream home. She resided here for her remaining years.

Jackie wore many hats throughout her life. She enjoyed knowing and helping her community.

She became a professional seamstress and upholsterer while still in high school. She also had many hobbies to include painting, drawing, stained glass, photography, cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, gardening, furniture refinishing and upholstery, carpentry! and stonework!

She also simply loved bird watching, crosswords and jigsaw puzzles.

Jackie became well known for the elaborate wedding cakes and wedding dresses she made for every family member and friend .

Jackie belonged to many organizations including the Red Hat Society; a 4-H leader for one year; the landmark society, being the vice president for two years; the Allegheny County Republican Committee, starting in 1974 and for the next 20 years; "The morning mix up" bowling league; the Genesee Valley Chorus for five years; the Allegany Clerks association and former secretary; the Friendship United Methodist Church and Choir; the Garden Club; the Musical Literary Club; and the ambulance squad for Friendship.

Jackie held many careers to include church treasurer for 16 years, radio dispatcher for the town of Friendship for two years, census taker and dog enumerator for 14 years, Allegheny Board of Elections for five years, town clerk of Friendship for 14 years, notary public, and her pride of church treasurer for 16 years.

Jackie is survived by her children, Marcy Bedell of Savannah, Ga., Carrie Ward of Yulee, Fla., Bruce (Jetta) Ward of Fernandina Beach, Fla., Lisa (Tim) Szucs of Greer, S.C., and Diana (Richard, Duke) Ellsessor of Savannah; as well, as her best friend and sister, Judy Granger Mueller of Sanborn. Also surviving are her beloved 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Jackie also made a home for 14 foster children during her lifetime. She never forget a Christmas card or a birthday card.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a sister, Sue Nita Sweet; and two brothers, Gerald Granger and Gregory Granger.

Family and friends are invited to the memorial service to celebrate Jackie's life on Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2025) at the Friendship United Methodist Church, 21 W. Main St., Friendship. The service will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the Rev. Michael Quesenberry and Rev. Bob Schooley will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in her name. For the locals, we welcome a dish to pass at the social hour at the church hall after the service to celebrate our Moms wonderful legacy.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.