Nancy Jane Ward

84, passed away on January 27, 2015. “Gancy,” as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren, was predeceased by her husband, Carl Ward. Carl was retired from PriceWaterhouse at the time of his passing in 1992. Nancy and Carl were both from Parkersburg, West Virginia, and were married for 42 years. Gancy had a great sense of humor and enjoyed talking to family and friends, particularly about her grandchildren. A busy homemaker, Gancy raised five children, all of whom survive her, including Carlene Ward of Raleigh, Molly Ward of Basking Ridge, NJ, Douglas Ward of San Francisco, CA, Jennifer Ward of Summit, NJ, and Michael Ward, of Richmond, VA. Nancy was involved in many activities before her health declined. She was a long-time member of Our Lady of Lourdes and was active for many years in the Altar Guild. She was a member of the Raleigh Fine Arts Society and a supporter of the N.C. Museum of Art. She was a frequent tennis player and enjoyed walking almost every day when she could do so. She enjoyed knitting throughout her life and in later years frequently gave away her knitting creations including blankets cherished by her grandchildren, and she donated homemade knit hats for newborn babies. Nancy and Carl moved several times during Carl’s career, but she called Raleigh home and knew how to get around without ever getting on a highway. Gancy is survived by her five grandchildren, Emma Ward, Alexia Grillos, Hutton Ward, Tucker Ward, and Mitchell Ward. She is also survived by her brother Leo Lichiello of Parkersburg, her sister Evelyn Rauen of Overland Park, Kansas, and many nieces and nephews and a loving cousin Art Licchillo of Jupiter, Fl. She is also survived by her son-in-law John Grillos, son-in-law Jeffrey Tarplin, and daughter-in-law Virginia Ward. Predeceasing her were her brothers Jim Lichiello and Bob Lichiello. Gancy’s life touched many people. She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure.