Barbara Jean Ward

BJ earned her Master’s in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, where she dedicated her career to helping others as the Director for Social Work at San Antonio State Chest Hospital.

She met her husband Charles E. Ward singing at a Barbershop Quartette competition, a passion they both shared. They were married and continued to sing beautifully together for fifty years, raising three children. In retirement, they fulfilled their dream of traveling the country in their RV together; walking the rim of the Grand Canyon, scuba diving in Cozumel and frequenting Disney World. Charlie awaited BJ in heaven after passing from a stroke in 2009.

BJ was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1984. Multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments followed and she survived another 20 years living life to the fullest. Once again, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, and again she beat it. In 2009, she was diagnosed for the last time with breast cancer and it had metastasized. She demonstrated amazing courage and determination; a strong positive spirit.

BJ was an exceptional mother, grandmother, aunt, sister - woman. She had a passion for quilting, perfecting each creation. She knew and sang a song for every occasion, could dominate a game of dominos, and loved her family with all her heart.

She is survived by her dear brother Jim Spann, her adoring children and grandchildren; Laura Goss, her husband Steve and their daughters Whitney Power and Leah, Whitney’s husband Brian Power and their son Clarke, Chuck Ward and his daughters Meghan and Hannah, Tony Ward, his wife Deirdre and their children Sadie and Gabriel. BJ will be dearly missed by all.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of BJ’s life at two o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, August 26 at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills on 9700 Anderson Mill Road in Austin, TX. A reception will follow after the memorial at the home of Laura and Steve on 9003 Bubbling Springs Trail in Austin TX. Please send flowers to Cook-Walden Funeral home.