Ann Marie Ward

July 26, 2020

Ann Marie Schaff Ward July 26, 2020 Ann Marie Schaff Ward, formerly of East Syracuse, age 88, went home to God on Sunday, July 26, 2020, at her son's home. Born on January 30, 1932 to Irving Marcus and Mary Elizabeth O'Brien Schaff in Syracuse, she married Daniel Duane Ward on November 10, 1951. Ann was a graduate of Minoa High School, Class of 1949, and studied at Maria Regina. She was commissioned a lay minister for St. Matthew's Church in 1991. Her ministry was religious education for Pre-K and K. Ann worked at General Electric, spent 25 years at Brace Mueller Huntley, and was the first Director of Over the Rainbow Day Care/Pre-K in East Syracuse for many years. She ended her working years at the Franciscan Place in Destiny USA. Ann was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis for over 50 years. She became an Associate Member of the Sisters of St. Francis in 1993. She made her perpetual commitment in 2016. Ann is predeceased by her parents, her brother, Irving Marcus Schaff, Jr., her former husband, Daniel, her son, Michael Anthony Ward, several sisters- and brothers-in-law and two nephews. Ann is survived by her sister, Kathryn Schaff; her sister-in-law, Margaret Brice Schaff; her children, Patricia Ann, Karen Noble Ward, Thomas Edward (Susan) Ward and Kathleen Marie (Owen Patrick) Wood. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Keith Edward (Amanda) Ward, Scott Thomas (Kelly) Ward and Mary Elizabeth (Christopher) May; three great grandchildren, William John Olson, Sarah and Thomas Ward. Her childhood friend, Mary Ann Djuvik, also survives. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, July 30th at 11 am at St. Matthew's Church, 229 West Yates Street, East Syracuse. Friends and family are welcome to attend. Burial will be for the immediate family only at St. Mary's Cemetery, Minoa. There are no calling hours. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, 960 James Street, 2nd Fl., Syracuse, NY 13203