Gail Bruce Ward

Gail was born in New York City on March 1, 1937 to Elsie M. and William A. Bruce. She grew up in Yonkers, NY, and graduated from Barnard College in 1959. She spent 5 interesting and challenging years as a Systems Engineer with IBM, including working on the ticker tape automation project for the NYSE. While there, she met Jay, her husband of 47 years, who predeceased her in January of 2012. They married in 1964 and raised 3 children.

Jay’s career took the family from the east coast to the west coast, back to the east and then to Williamsburg for retirement. At various times, Gail worked in computer programming and spent 6 years in the Development Office of the Albany Institute of History & Art. She volunteered at the Nantucket Historical Association, Jamestown/Yorktown Foundation, Colonial Williamsburg, The Christopher Wren Association, and with Williamsburg Faith in Action. She enjoyed visits to New York City, summers in Nantucket, international travel, Christopher Wren courses, reading, needlework and, especially, time spent with family and friends.

Gail is survived by her brother, William A. Bruce, a daughter, Stacy Cohen and son-in-law Malcolm, son Fraser and daughter-in-law Lynn, and son, Richard; five grandchildren, Gregory Thompson and his wife Nicole, Christianna Connery and her husband Clifford, Devon Ward, Bryanna Ward and Spencer Ward; and 3 great grandchildren, Ava Thompson, Connor Thompson and Lilyanna Connery; a niece, Andrea Bruce and her husband Brian and children Max and Elsa McIntyre; and nephew, Rob Bruce and Kerri O’Neill and their daughter Michaela.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 3rd at 11am, at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185, with reception following at Ford’s Colony Country Club. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society.