Joanne M. Ward age 71 of North Falmouth, formerly of Brockton, died Monday July 18, 2011 after a brief illness. Joanne M. Ward was born in Brockton in 1940, the daughter of James A. and Elizabeth (McCluskey) Ward. She grew up in Brockton, attending schools there until her graduation from Brockton High School in 1958. Following high school she attended Bridgewater State College, graduating in 1962 with her Bachelor’s degree in Education. She taught for a few years, before returning to Bridgewater to study for her Master’s degree. Following this achievement, she became a school adjustment counselor for elementary school children in a variety of Brockton schools. Her love for children, and her gifts of understanding and communication helped her to serve well both the children and their parents. During her tenure in Brockton, she was active in both civic and church affairs. She always enjoyed participating in or helping with the annual Potpourri productions that served as fundraisers for the children. Joanne retired from the Brockton School System in 1999. Following her retirement, Joanne moved full-time to her home at New Silver Beach in North Falmouth. She was lovingly known as “The Mayor of New Silver Beach.” In recent years during the summer months she ran a small shop from her garage, where visitors could buy a variety of items – all to raise money for the beach lifeguards and for movies for the children.
Joanne is survived by her sister, Sister Claudia Ward, CDP of Kingston, as well as many cousins and countless good friends.
Visiting hours will be held in the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home 40 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne, MA on Wednesday July 20 from 4-7pm. Funeral Mass in St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 481 Quaker Road, North Falmouth, MA on Thursday July 21 at 10 am. Burial in Calvary Cemetery, Brockton. Donations can be made in Joanne’s name to the Sisters of Divine Providence, Lourdes Center, 363 Bishops Highway, Kingston, MA 02364.