Mary was born May 14, 1929 in Winchester, Massachusetts, a daughter of Joseph J. and Marie A. (Kirlin) Phelan.
She attended Winchester schools and graduated from Belmont High School. After high school, she attended American Airlines Stewardess school for two years, and then went to Boston College.
At an early age, she worked at the Shawmut Bank of Boston as a bookkeeper for several years, and American Airlines, where she met her future husband, Bill Ward.
On Aug. 14, 1954, she married her soul mate, William A. Ward in Boston, Massachusetts. She and Bill moved as Bill’s career developed, living in Knoxville, Tennessee, Cincinnati, Ohio, and settling in Kennebunk, where they raised their two wonderful children, William and Cynthia. Mary was a homemaker for many years, and cared for her husband in his later years.
Mary was a social member of Webhannet Association and Eagle Rock Yacht Club in Kennebunk Beach. She enjoyed spending time with her children, family and friends and was a lover of all animals.
She is preceded in death by: her husband, William A. Ward Sr. in 1990; a brother, Joseph J. Phelan Jr.; and two sisters, Elizabeth “Buffy” Gordon and Priscilla Phelan.
She is survived by: her son, William A. Ward Jr. of Kennebunk Beach; her daughter, Cynthia S. Ward- Brine and her husband John of Kennebunk; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13 at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 14 at Holy Spirit Parish – St. Martha’s Church, Portland Road, Kennebunk. Interment will follow at Hope Cemetery, Kennebunk.
Should friends desire, donations in Mary’s memory can be made to: Animal Welfare Society, P.O. Box 43, West Kennebunk, ME 04094.
Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.
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