Cheryl L. Ward

Cheryl L. Ward, age 42, a native Utican, who was currently residing in Greensboro, NC, passed away in the comfort of her home on Saturday, January 28, 2006. Her devoted family was by her side at the time of her passing. Born in North Utica on March 6, 1963, Cheryl was the daughter of Kenneth E. and Carolyn (Clarke) Ward. Raised and educated in this area, she graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1981. She pursued her academic career at Mohawk Valley Community College where she studied Criminal Justice. Early in her professional life, she worked as a receptionist at the Genesee Nursing Home and later in the International Transfer Dept. of the Bank of America. Cheryl then found her true vocation when she enrolled in the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. She began work in the ER at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center and simultaneously pursued advanced studies at SUNY where she earned a BA in Nursing. It was immediately apparent to Cheryl herself and to those she cared for that she had found her personal niche in life in nursing. Possessing a truly admirable "hands-on" commitment to her chosen profession and blessed with a compassionate and generous nature, she was especially well suited to a career in the field of health care. In 1999 Cheryl relocated to North Carolina and settled in Greensboro. Initially accepting a placement as a nurse in the Emergency Dept. of the Moses Cone Medical Center, it was not long before she was appointed Supervisor of the unit and subsequently was promoted to Assistant Director of the Emergency Dept., the position in which she currently served. Cheryl's special abilities were a perfect fit with the challenges and rewards of the nursing profession. Cheryl's special qualities of character were integral to her life. In particular, her non-judgmental attitude and the respect she had for each person as an individual of worth and dignity were values she practiced in both word and deed. Not only her patients, but also her family and friends recognized her as an exceptional person and an outstanding nurse. In her leisure time, Cheryl liked nothing more than the enjoyment she derived from family gatherings and vacations. She also loved sports, both as a participant and as a spectator. In earlier days, she had played softball and volleyball. She was a lifelong and avid fan of the Giants and the Atlanta Braves. David Justice was her favorite player and she followed his career and successes with great interest. She had a love and respect for all kinds of animals and cared for her pets with devotion and affection. She was a member of the Maynard United Methodist Church. Cheryl is survived by her parents, Carolyn and Ken; and a brother and two sisters and their spouses, Kenneth E. and Michele (Lupia) Ward of Marcy, Patricia A. Ward of Rome, NY, and Suzan and Jim Moore of London,KY. In addition, her survivors include her nieces and nephews, Sean Costello, Matthew Costello, Dustin Moore, Andrew Moore, Jenna Ward, and Kathleen Ward; a number of cousins; and her uncles, Donald Clarke of FL, and Frank Ward and his wife, Julie of Saratoga Springs. Because Cheryl was a wonderful friend herself, she was blessed with many dear friends in both central NY and Greensboro: the loyal and loving relationships she shared with them were of great value and significance in her life. She was ever grateful to her friends for their generosity, their thoughtfulness, their concern, their camaraderie, and their affection. She also leaves her faithful canine companions, Cody and Macey whom she loved dearly. Cheryl was predeceased by her maternal grandmother, Eloise Whitfield; her paternal grandmother, Ruth Ward; and her uncles, Doug and Edward Ward. The family offers its sincere gratitude to the Utica community and to the parishioners of the Maynard United Methodist Church for their support and for their prayers. Visitation will be held today (Friday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to the family to enable them to support Cheryl's favorite charities; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Funeral services and Celebration of Cheryl's Life will take place on Saturday morning at 11:00 at the Maynard United Methodist Church, 9624 Maynard Dr., Marcy. Interment will take place in Carr Cemetery in the spring.

Cheryl L. Ward

March 6, 1963 - January 28, 2006