Virginia ‘Ginger’ Ward, orchestrator of love
Most spend their whole lives wishing they could paint their picture-perfect life, but Virginia “Ginger” Ward actually did it for 83 years.
Much like she painted her iconic scenes, she painted the most loving life for her and her family before God brought her home.
From March 26, 1936, until Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, Ginger was an orchestrator of love. That’s how her parents, Thomas William Pierce Sr. and Lucille Virginia (Lynch) Pierce raised her.
She was born in Washington, D.C., but spent most of her life in Lanham, Md., after graduating from Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, Md.
Ginger took her devotion to helping others to the Prince George’s County Board of Education, where she served for more than 25 years, most notably as the secretary to the legislative administrator.
During that time, she raised a family with her husband of 64 years, David “Dave” F. Ward. Together they had three children, David T. Ward Sr., William “Bill” Ward and Linda (Ward) Baumgart.
After retiring, Ginger and Dave moved to Dagsboro where Ginger stayed active, joining the Greater Millsboro Art League. She served as the organization’s secretary and wrote its history. Ginger continued her activism as the former secretary of the Seawinds Home Owners Association.
Everybody has a good luck charm that they keep with them at all times. For Ginger, it was always a dog. Her Shih Tzu, Scooter, stayed by her side until the very end. Her late dog, Panda, was like her fourth child.
She always loved her fur babies and granddogs, but she held the youngest in her family far closer in her heart.
Ginger loved her four grandchildren, David “Dave” T. Ward Jr. (Ann), Amie Ward, Nick Thompson (Wasu), and Jacob Baumgart, and her three great-children, Angelina Ward, David “Davie” T. Ward III and Charles “Charlie” Ward dearly.
While Ginger joins her parents, brother (John Pierce), and son (Bill) in heaven, her loved ones carry her in memory here on Earth.
Ginger’s descendants will continue to spread her love as will her brother, Thomas “Tom” Pierce Jr., and sister, Pat Dyer (Joe).
Ginger’s family and friends will join in celebrating her life Saturday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m., at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Road, Ocean View.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending memorial donations in Ginger’s name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
You can send online condolences at www.melsonfuneralservices.com
