Florence Grush Ward

WARD- Florence (nee Grush) of Metairie, LA, passed away on July 12, 2019, following a short illness. Known affectionately as “Mommy Ward”, she was 104 years old, the matriarch of her family spanning five generations and renowned for being the keeper of the extensive family history. Devoted daughter of the late Alfred and Katherine (nee Juzan) Grush. Beloved wife and tireless traveling companion for over 72 years of the late Donald O. Ward. Loving mother of Donna W. Heim (Daniel) and Lawrence Ward (Jo). Devoted mother-in-law of Gayle Childress Ward. Cherished grandmother of Deborah Sachs (Jules), Darra O’Keefe (Thomas), Donald Ward Heim, Lawrence Donald Ward, Jr., William Ward (Melanie), Gayle Ward Reuling (Michael), Michael Ward and Frederick Rock Ward (Laurie). Loving great and great-great grandmother, aunt and close friend to many. A memorial funeral mass will be said on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 10:30 am at St. Francis Xavier Church, 444 Metairie Road, Metairie, LA 70005, where Mommy Ward was a parishioner for over 70 years and an active congregant who served in the Adoration Chapel and participated in the Sharing Program for Seniors.

Born in New Orleans, LA, Mommy Ward attended St. Mary’s Dominican High School on an academic scholarship and excelled in sports having been a four-year varsity starter and MVP in volleyball and basketball. As a senior, Mommy Ward won the school’s “Spirit and Scholarship” Award for the graduating class of 1933 and remained an active alumnae.

After marrying, and while her husband Donald was serving in W.W.II, Mommy Ward became a skilled homemaker who excelled in sewing and gardening, and was equally adept at needlepoint, knitting, ceramics and painting. Once her children attained school age, Mommy Ward was a teacher at St. Catherine of Siena grammar school for 13 years.

For decades, and well into her 100’s, Mommy Ward avidly dedicated her time to many church and civic causes including her membership, leadership and full participation in the Inner Wheel Club of Metairie. Mommy Ward was also the recipient of the Rotary Club’s prestigious Paul Harris Award.

A resident of Metairie Towers in her twilight years, Mommy Ward was a cherished resident who was embraced and loved by the staff and her neighbors. During her time there, Mommy Ward was the beneficiary of the unselfish love, care and attention of several dedicated sitters including Claudean Robertson, De Shawnne Broussard, Irma Allen, Gloria Buxdon, Toni Robertson and Tasha Abadie to whom the family is eternally thankful.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mommy Ward’s name can be made to Sharing Program for Seniors, St. Francis Xavier Church, 444 Metairie Road, Metairie, LA 70005 or email Carol Pritchard at [email protected].