Judith Mae Ward, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and faithful friend, peacefully returned home to her Heavenly Father on June 30, 2026, in Sykesville, Maryland, at the age of 87.

Judith was born on May 27, 1939, in Washington, Pennsylvania, to Herbert and Goldie Fields, whose love, guidance, and example nurtured her curiosity, kindness, and strong work ethic from an early age. During high school, she proudly served as a marching band majorette, graduating in 1957. She worked her way through college as a pantomime performer to help pay for her higher education at California State Teachers College in California, Pennsylvania. There she co-founded the Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Kappa sorority, was recognized as the Most Outstanding Senior of 1960, and graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

Following college, Judith moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she taught elementary school for five years. On March 14, 1964, she married the love of her life, Lee Stanley Ward, at Buffalo Presbyterian Church in Washington, Pennsylvania.

The couple moved to the Rochester, New York area, where they began raising their family. Judith’s love for learning and teaching never waned. Blessed to be a stay-at-home mother, she devoted herself fully to caring for and doting on her children, almost always with a book in hand. Her curiosity and commitment to learning remained constant throughout her life, shaping the way she taught, served, and loved those around her.

At the age of 27, Judith joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her testimony of Jesus Christ guided every choice she made. She faithfully taught early morning seminary from her home for more than 20 years and served in many other callings. She found great joy in serving others, strengthening testimonies, and sharing the hope of the restored gospel.

Later in life, Judith returned to teaching, working in elementary education and eventually serving as principal in Williamson, New York. She also started a consulting business to help individuals with Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, reflecting her deep commitment to helping others learn and thrive. Yet, no matter how many roles she fulfilled, her heart was always with her children.

Judith will be remembered for her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, quiet strength, and unconditional love. Her greatest joys were her Savior, Jesus Christ; her beloved husband, Lee; and the family they built together.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Stanley Ward, with whom she shared 47 wonderful years of marriage. She is lovingly survived by her seven children: Douglas, Cynthia, Christopher, Kathy, David, Elizabeth, and Emily, along with their spouses; over 30 grandchildren; and more than a dozen great-grandchildren.

For those who knew and loved her, Judith’s passing marks a joyful reunion with her beloved husband, Lee. Above all, she has returned to the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she faithfully loved and served throughout her life. Her family finds great peace and joy in the assurance that she is home and reunited with her husband.

Judith’s legacy lives on through the faith she shared, the family she cherished, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, devoted service, and unwavering testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Palmyra, New York (2801 Temple Rd, Palmyra, NY 14522). A celebration of life will follow at 11:00 a.m., and all are welcome to attend.

Judith will be laid to rest at Macedon Center Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to House of John (114 Spring St., Clifton Springs, NY 14432), given in Judith’s memory and in honor of her late husband.