MARY ELIZABETH WARD

Mary Elizabeth Ward (Jackson), 89, of Upper Deerfield Township went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011. She peacefully passed at her home following a 10-year period of declining health.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Mary was born and raised locally by her late parents, Daniel Jackson and Elizabeth Harmon Jackson. She was the wife of the late Douglas P. Ward. A 1941 graduate of Bridgeton High School, her working years included employment at the former Owens-Illinois Glass Company in Bridgeton for 27 years, a Bridgeton Postal worker for 21 years and an elementary school substitute teacher in Upper Deerfield Township. Mary was an active member of the Bridgeton Assembly of God Church and served in various ministries, most often found contributing to missionary outreach programs. She was also a member of the Young Peoples Progressive Club and the Colonial Riders Motorcycle Club. Serving as a leader and participant of many community and social functions, she was always eager to champion a cause or lend a helping hand.

A proud member of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indians of Bridgeton, where she was known as "Spreading Eagle Wing," for nearly 10 years she organized and coordinated the Elders monthly luncheon program providing them with an afternoon of Cultural Socialization. She also worked diligently toward the goal of establishing a Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Cultural Museum and fervently pursued her passion to see procurement of Tribal Land. In recognition of her service and dedication to the Tribal Community for more than 25 years, Mary was the recipient of their highest honor, an Eagle Feather. She enjoyed traveling and collecting memorabilia, often reflecting on her travels to the Holy Land. As an avid "scrap booker," Mary spent countless hours meticulously cataloging volumes of pictures and experiences of her loved ones. Mary loved her home and her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Constance Brooks and husband Larry and Paula Streets and husband Charles, all of Bridgeton; a granddaughter, Charisma Ward of Annapolis, Md.; two grandsons, Charles Streets Jr. of Wilmington, Del. and Brad Streets of Roselle Park; a niece, Charlotte Carney of Elmer; and several other nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter, Holly Ward; two sisters, Helen Saunders Ward and Viola Jackson Durham; four brothers, John, Fred, Wilbert and Daniel Jackson; a niece, Elsie Pierce; and a nephew, Hollie Saunders.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Bridgeton Assembly of God, 424 Indian Ave., Bridgeton. Visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the Padgett Funeral Home, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Township and again from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in Mary's memory be made to the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indians, 18 E. Commerce St., Bridgeton, NJ 08302.

Written condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at: www.padgettfuneralhome.com.