Joan Mary Ward

Joan McMahon Ward passed away peacefully in Cary, North Carolina, on Monday, June 24, of natural causes at the age of 94. She was born in Bronx, New York, the daughter of Daniel F. and Honora (Goss) McMahon.

A graduate of Cathedral High School in Manhattan, New York, she attended the Bellevue School of Nursing (now Hunter College School of Nursing), where she received her R.N. and also worked at Bellevue Hospital. She later attended Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York, where she received a B.S. in psychology, and was a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor.

After marriage in 1953, Joan raised eight children in Manhattan, New York, and Mount Kisco, New York. Aside from family activities, she was an active volunteer at Saint Francis of Assisi Elementary School, the Visiting Nurse Association of New York, and the Mount Kisco Democratic Party.

After raising her family, Joan moved to Port Chester, New York, and returned to work as a nurse, first at Saint Agnes Hospital in White Plains, New York, and then at New York United Hospital in Port Chester, New York, where she was a nurse/counselor at an outpatient clinic in New Rochelle, New York, for individuals in recovery from substance abuse.

In retirement, Joan worked as a docent at the Donald M Kendall Sculpture Garden in Purchase, New York, and later moved to Cary, North Carolina, where she was active in the local chapter of AARP and volunteered with Meals on Wheels.

Joan is predeceased by her brothers Daniel, Michael, and Thomas McMahon and her sister Nona Donovan. She is survived by her sister Mary McMahon of New Windsor, New York; her eight children and their spouses — John Ward of Silver Spring, Maryland; Andrew and Nalan Ward of Wayland, Massachusetts; Timothy Ward, of Bedford, New York; James Ward and Cheryl Guillot of Los Angeles, California; Sheila and Raymond Guidotti of Cary, North Carolina; Dennis and Sydney Ward of Hampstead, North Carolina; Matthew and Kristen Ward of Amagansett, New York; and Noreen Ward of Cary, North Carolina — and 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Memorial donations can be made to Meals on Wheels of Wake County or Catholic Relief Services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 12th at St. Andrew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 3008 Old Raleigh Road, Apex, North Carolina. Interment to follow at St. Andrew’s columbarium.

Immediately following Mass, a reception will be held at Doherty’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, 1979 High House Road, Cary, North Carolina.