Pittsford: November 18, 2022 at 7:05 P.M.

Wanda was born on February 16, 1927 in Sinclair, IL. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William David Ward, Sr.; her grandson, Mitchell Steven Ward; and parents, Bill and Ada Dobbs. She is the mother of Susan Ward Stare (Dan), William David Ward Jr (Linda) of FL and Steven Carl Ward (Laurie) of IL. She has seven grandchildren: Ward Stare (Anna), Stephanie Stare Tischler (Sam), William Ward, III, Jackie Ward (Heather Grant), Katie Ward (Ryan Leigh), Sarah Ward Lembke (Evan), and Mitchell. She has two great grandchildren: Eliza Tischler and Luca Lembke.

She is a graduate of MacMurray College and received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1984. Wanda began her teaching in Literberry, IL in a two-room school and after she was married, taught two years in Creve Coeur, IL. Following the family’s move to Pittsford, Wanda received her graduate degree from SUNY Geneseo and a CAS from SUNY Brockport. She was employed by the Pittsford, N. Y. School District where she worked for 22 years serving as a kindergarten teacher, Master classroom teacher, Director of Continuing Education, and Principal. She retired in 1990 and continued in education as Supervisor of Student Teachers at Nazareth College and an Educational Consultant thereafter.

Wanda established the first Teacher Center in New York state. The Pittsford teacher center under her direction served as a model for the establishment of teacher centers across the state. 

She also established the first teacher union in Pittsford, giving teachers a voice and protecting their rights.

Throughout her life in Pittsford, Wanda remained active in educational and charity organizations including Delta Kappa Gamma (at local, state, and international levels since 1972) and was a charter member of the Women’s Club of Pittsford (WCOP), 1984. The Wanda Ward Life Time Achievement Award was created in her honor due to her active and dedicated involvement in the community. At the state level, Wanda won the GFWC NY Karen Cuzzi Clubwoman of the Year Award.

Friends may call at Anthony Funeral Chapel, 2305 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY, on Sunday, November 27th from 1-5PM. A Funeral Service will be held at Asbury First United Methodist Church East Ave, 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, at 11AM on Monday, November 28th. Interment will be at the Pittsford Cemetery following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, contribution Checks may be made to: Advent House, 1010 Mosley Rd., Fairport, NY 14450 or Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14607.