Mary Jane Ward

Mary Jane Ward, 95, of Fort Collins, CO, passed into the arms of God on February 11, 2017. She was the daughter of Burt and Ruth (O'Neil) Ward of Huntington, West Virginia. Mary Jane was a member of St. John 23rd University Parish. Known as Dr. Ward to many, Mary Jane's passion for teaching grew into a distinguished career in education. She began by teaching English to elementary and secondary students. Later she was professor of education, Chair of the Dept. of Education and director of graduate studies at Barry University, Miami, FL. She served as Dean and President of St. Dominic College, St. Charles, IL, and was founding director of the Developmental Center for Special Ed. for the District of Columbia public schools. Mary Jane shared her enthusiasm for life-long learning with her dearest friend, Mary Wolfe. Together they were educational consultants for the New Jersey Dept. of Education. After retiring to Colorado in 1997, she remained actively involved in many movements both spiritual and political in support of the poor and disadvantaged. Mary Jane was in her element whether she was community organizing or providing hospitality to guests at her home. She was gifted with numerous friends and her life was a testimony to our Lord's command to love one another. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on February 16, 10 am, St. John 23rd University Parish. Memorial contributions may be made to Bread for the World: www.bread.org/ .