Marian J. Ward's Obituary
Marian J. Ward, 90, passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 12, 2024, in Muskegon. She was
born January 2, 1934, to Marion and L. Isabel (Hopper) Ward in Muskegon and was a lifelong
resident. Marian graduated from Muskegon High School, then attended Muskegon Junior College, Western Michigan University and finally University of Michigan for her Master's Degree. Marian worked at Cole's Bakery while attending school and her adventures began after graduation. She taught school in Michigan and then chose to educate students in other countries. She was an educator at American schools abroad including Japan, England and France. Her favorite was the 2nd grade class of 1960-1961 in Tachikawa, Japan. Marian then returned to the states and taught locally at Orchard View Schools in Muskegon. She taught 5th and 2nd grade, and retired from Orchard View as the middle school librarian. Marian was active in environmental conservancy, the local museum and the Democratic Party. Survivors include niece Missy Thompson, several great nieces and nephew. Cousins, Jim and Linda Hopper, Kathy and Bill Paul, Judy and Allen Marr, Dave and Shirlee Holmberg, Lynne Holmberg, Janet and Gary Baillod, John and Penny Holmberg, Roy and Donna Holmberg. Special friends Brenda Nyblade Skujins and Amy Ostrowski Misner. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Anabeth Ward Thompson and Sue Ward Bornheimer. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, June 21st at Mona View Cemetery in Muskegon Heights, with a reception following at Lake Harbor Park in Norton Shores. Contributions in memory of Marian may be made to Hackley Library https://www.hackleylibrary.org/donate/
or Hospice of Michigan https://www.hom.org/donate/. Arrangements have been
entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple
Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442.
What’s your fondest memory of Marian?
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