Helen M. Ward

Helen M. Ward (NE: Maxwell) of Port Jefferson, died quietly in her sleep at home on September 5th. For several years, she had been stoically fighting the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s Disease. Helen was born in Queens, NY in 1928 and grew up in Bellrose. After graduating from Jamaica High School, she worked at the Duane Jones Advertising Agency. In 1948, she met, and in 1950, married Harry E. Ward (an aspiring Art Director). After 12 years of “nomading” from a Bronx apartment, to Bellville (NJ), to Denville (NJ) and bearing 4 children, in 1962 the Ward’s settled in an historic Victorian house in Port Jefferson (known as the “Barnum House”). Helen bore 2 more children and while mothering 6 children became involved in many community and service activities. To name a few: the Suwasset Garden Club, Suffolk County Girl Scout Leader, Infant Jesus Church Volunteer, St. Charles Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer (6 yrs), CCD Teacher Infant Jesus, 4H Club Leader, Catholic Daughters of America. Helen’s involved lifestyle ultimately led to involvement in Port Jefferson Village government. In 1977 Helen was elected village Trustee with Hal Sheprow elected Mayor. She served the village for 12 years as Deputy Mayor, Chief Fiscal Officer, and liaison to the Parks and Recreation Department. It was a period of great change in the village, and Helen’s unwavering commitment to principle and strong determination helped achieve the many accomplishments of the Sheprow Administration. While the list is too long to enumerate, try to imagine the village without the country club golf course, tennis courts, beaches and 27 acres of wetlands, the annexed area (Laurita Gate and Hillcrest area), or the code enforcement bureau. Additionally, there was no tax increase for 12 years in the village, except to purchase the country which was approved by the residents. During her non-stop life, Helen still found time to indulge her passion for gardening, tennis, golf, swimming, gourmet cooking, entertaining, etc. But, most important to her, always, was her faith in God and her love of husband, family, and friends. Helen’s memorable life of achievement will continue to be lovingly cherished and celebrated by her husband of 64 years, 11 months, Harry; Sons Damian and Justin; daughters Kathie, Amy, Andrea, and Laura; Sons in Law, Peter Field, Ron Patton, and Michael Colucci; Daughter in Law, Brandy Ward… and 9 grandchildren; Spencer, Victoria, Olivia, and Erica Patton; Brady, Harrison, and Jillian Colucci; John and Ryan Ward.
To Helen, Wife, Mother, Grandma and Friend – “May you see the reflection of your life’s caring and strength in all the loving tears that fall for you”
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hope House Ministries (www.hhm.org) in Helen’s name, would be greatly appreciated. The wake will be held on Friday, September 11th from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Moloney’s Funeral Home in Port Jefferson. The funeral mass will be held at Infant Jesus Church in Port Jefferson at 9:45 am on Saturday, September 12th.