Cathy Callaghan Ward, devoted nurse, educator
Catherine Callaghan Ward, 77, of Lewes, passed away Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., and attended St. Clement’s Parochial School and West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Girls. A graduate of Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Darby, Pa., she held nursing positions in Philadelphia, Norfolk, Va., and Newark, and at Beebe Hospital in Lewes. Cathy achieved her BSN degree at Immaculata University, graduating cum laude, and was inducted into the Honor Society for Extension Students. Cathy always considered herself an Emergency Department nurse because that was her love. At Beebe, she worked in the ED, Community Health, and Education. Her final position was as cancer nurse navigator at the Tunnell Cancer Center, where she vigorously promoted early cancer detection by community, business and church outreach, conducting screenings for a variety of cancers at times and places convenient to the community.
She was always involved in her community at the neighborhood, city and county levels, including serving for a time as president of the Sussex County League of Women Voters. As a member of a number of book clubs and discussion groups, her contributions and insights reflected her commitment to a loving and just world. As a spiritual Christian, she loved the embracing community of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes. As a mother and wife, her family was always foremost and the center of her life. Every day was an opportunity for her family to be enriched and joyous. Family activities were opportunities for creating fun memories. Those fortunate to share her life will miss her energy, thoughtfulness, and above all, her sense of fun. She would bring life to any occasion, enriching the experience of all there.
She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Robert M. Ward; children Robert L. Ward, Malachy Ward, and Christy Ann Snook (Thomas); sister Maureen Shields (Jim); and two grandsons, Tadhg and Burke, who all will miss her presence and guidance; and a host of in-laws, nieces and nephews. A daughter, Maureen, preceded her in death.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at 5 p.m., Saturday, March 16, in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Lewes.
