Lorraine Marie Ward
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Lorraine Marie (Wells) Ward, 87, a longtime resident of Great Barrington, Ma passed away peacefully on July 28, 2022. Lorraine was an only child, mother of seven, and wife to Donald Ward Jr.
Born in Great Barrington on September 11, 1934 she was the daughter of Edward and Loretta (Whalen) Wells. She attended the local elementary and middle school and graduated from Searles High School in 1952. After graduating, Lorraine enrolled in St. Luke's Nursing School, Pittsfield, Ma by earning a scholarship from St. Peter's Parish. She worked at Fairview Hospital, which is where she met her husband, Donald. Lorraine and Donald married January 25, 1958 at St. Peter's Church.
Lorraine was a devoted member of the St. Peter's Parish throughout her life. This included being a eucharistic minister, taking care of the church linens, decorating the altar for holidays, teaching religious education, attending adoration faithfully and also attending mass daily either at St. Peter's or Marian Fathers. She brought communion to all of the local nursing homes in the area as well as visiting the sick and homebound.
She raised seven children and always attended every single school event. Once her children were grown, Lorraine returned to work part-time as a nurse for the next 20 years. She was a member of the Melvin Katz cooking club and delivered meals on wheels frequently. Lorraine was also a strong member of the Marian Fathers Divine Mercy prayer group for over 40 years. Within the Marian Fathers she helped set up monthly healing Masses and retreats at the Shrine in Stockbridge MA.
Even though Lorraine lived her whole life in Great Barrington, she was an avid traveler and enjoyed visiting churches and attending pilgrimages internationally. She will always be remembered as putting her faith in God and love of family at the forefront of her life.
Lorraine (Wells) Ward is survived by sons Donald III (Claire), Gregory (Christine), Michael (Bridget), and Tim; daughters Maureen Barnaba (Anthony), Eileen Ward Fauci (Anthony), and Colleen Souza (Steven); grandchildren Lance Ward, Hannah Ward, Sam Ward (Meri), Nicole Ward Marques (Ryan), Eva Ward (Cale), Justin Ward, Ryan Ward, India Ward, Ciana Barnaba, Lydia Barnaba, Rosa Barnaba, Alyssa Souza, Maura Souza, Keira Souza, Olivia Ward, Isabella Fauci; great-grandchild Archie Marques.
Lorraine was predeceased by her husband Donald James Ward Jr.
SERVICES: The Liturgy of the Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday August 2, 2022 10:00 am at St. Peter's Church, 213 Main St., Great Barrington, MA. Celebrated by Rev. William P. Murphy, the pastor. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery in Great Barrington.
Calling hours: Monday August 1, 2022 from 4:00-6:00pm at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Parish directly or through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com