Ruth B. Ward

Albany-Ruth B. Ward, beloved wife and mother and retired Albany teacher, died Saturday, June 25, 2011, at St. Peter’s Hospital with her family at her side. A lifelong resident of Albany, she was the daughter of John H. Baggett and Mary O’Connor Baggett. She was a graduate of Miss Quinn’s School, Academy of the Holy Names, and The College of St. Rose. She often expressed appreciation for her mother’s and father’s determination that she receive a good education. She and Charles Alburn Ward married in December 1947, going on to share more than 55 years together before Charles passed away in September 2003. Ruth served for many years as a teacher in Albany, working most of her career with disadvantaged adults at Manpower Inc. and the Adult Learning Center. With her faith a constant source of strength, she was a communicant of the Church of St. Vincent de Paul and a member of its Altar Rosary Society. She was the cherished mother of Mary Ellen Ward of Albany, Anne W. Markwardt and her husband William of Hamburg, NY, Paul Ward and his wife Gayle of Guilderland, and Robert Ward and his wife Deborah of Albany. She was predeceased by her beloved son John Ward in 1980. She will be missed by her grandchildren, Kate, Kimberly, David and Christine Ward, and Jack, Susannah and Jim Markwardt. Ruth’s life will be celebrated in a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto (Corner Yates & Ontario Sts) Wednesday at 10:30 am. Relatives and friends are invited to call Tuesday, 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Interment will follow Mass at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Ruth’s family expresses deep gratitude to the dedicated staff of the Fatima unit at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center and St. Peter’s Hospital for the wonderful care they provided her. Memorial contributions may be made to the Office of Institutional Advancement, College of St. Rose, 432 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203. To leave the family a special message on their guest book, obtain a prayer card or directions, or share a photo or E-card with them, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Ruth B. Ward

June 18, 1920 - June 25, 2011