Marilyn Janet Ward

Marilyn Janet Ward, of Napa, passed away on January 1, 2025, at the age of 86. Marilyn was born June 16, 1938, to parents Mabel (Mae) and George Dolan, in San Francisco, California. She grew up in San Francisco attending St. Anne’s Catholic School and St. Rose Academy then on to Lone Mountain College ultimately graduating from San Francisco State with a degree in education.

Summers growing up were spent in Camp Meeker outside of Occidental, California with family and a network of friends many also from ‘the city.’ This is where she met her husband Guy John (Jack) Ward. Getting married in 1961 she and Jack moved to Sacramento and then Stockton, California welcoming two children Michael and Terri. They moved to Napa in 1968. Marilyn raised her children and was active in their school activities, returning to teaching in the late 1970’s. She taught at Westwood, West Park, Alta-Heights, and Phillips schools, finding her niche teaching fourth grade. Marilyn retired from teaching in 1996. She was always thrilled when she ran into former students around town who kindly remembered her as one of their best teachers.

In retirement her greatest pleasure was spending time with her grandchildren. There wasn’t an activity she would not attend, museums, the zoo multiple times, football games and an occasional horse event. She also never missed a Sunday dinner at her daughter’s house to start out her week. Marilyn became very active in retirement and was our own social butterfly. She loved traveling to Europe, Australia and in the US. She took meticulous notes of the activities and sights each day. She also participated in the California Retired Teachers Association, the Delta Kappa Gamma society for women educators, joined the activities of the Spirited Singles from St. Apollinaris, played bocce, bridge, bunko, and mahjong, did tai-chi on a regular basis, enjoyed lunch outings, and volunteered at several performing arts venues. Marilyn was a wonderful friend to all that knew her whether it was from kindergarten or first grade, being a teacher or through her many activities. Known for always being well dressed, organized, and never missing her signature red lipstick and nails, she was thought of as a lovely, classy lady and a lot of fun. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Guy John (Jack) Ward and her beloved grandson Kellan John Ward. She is survived by her son Michael (Gina), daughter Terri (Alex), granddaughter Lauren (Tyler) and grandson Tanner (Pookie).

Memorial mass will be held at Tulocay Cemetery Chapel on Thursday, January 23 rd at 11am followed by a reception in the hall.

Condolences and words of sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.tulocaycemetery.com

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