Mary Lewis Ward (Libby) of Winter Park, Florida died peacefully on July 26, 2024 at the age of 91, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband, Harold Ward III; her sister, Agnes Kinschner; her children, Catherine Ward McNamara (Dennis), Tom Ward, and Mary Ward Christian (Brit); her seven grandchildren, Harold McNamara, Margaret McNamara Mandal (Tanoy), Anne McNamara, Joseph McNamara, Jackson Christian, Everett Christian, and Elizabeth Christian; and her great-grandson, Ari Mandal. Libby was predeceased by her sister, Helen Bidwell.

Libby was born in Washington D.C. on September 10, 1932 and grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, with her father and mother, Thomas Deane Lewis and Elizabeth Claxton Lewis, and sisters Helen and Agnes. After the premature death of her father, Libby was instrumental in helping her mother raise her two younger sisters. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from William and Mary College with a degree in Mathematics. After college, Libby held positions with IBM in Washington D.C. and Endicott, N.Y. She met her husband, Harold, in Washington D.C. and upon his release from the U.S. Air Force agreed to give up her promising career and move with him to his hometown of Winter Park, Florida, where she became a vital member of the community. While she and Harold raised their three children, Libby was active in civic and charitable work, serving as president of the Junior Service League, on the boards of the Loch Haven Art Center and the Christian Service Center, and in multiple leadership roles as a member of the First Congregational Church of Winter Park, including its outreach through Habitat For Humanity. She volunteered for the Orange County Bar Auxiliary and its legal aid office, was a docent at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Art, and served at her children's school as president of the PTA and coordinator of the Additions program. Libby possessed a talent for organization and planning and a sense of duty and responsibility that made her invaluable in all of these roles.

Having grown up in a family that valued education, Libby was also a brilliant and open-minded thinker with wide interests in art, literature, philosophy, and nature. She appreciated beauty in all forms and enjoyed creating lovely homes and gardens and sharing them with gracious hospitality. Adored by her family and friends for her kindness, wisdom, and warmth, she had a gift for making people feel comfortable and accepted. Those who knew her well also appreciated her quiet strength and determination and her delightful sense of humor.

More than anything else, Libby loved and was devoted to her beloved husband of nearly 66 years and her family, of which she was the heart. She will live on as an example and an inspiration to all who loved her, and will be deeply missed.

A memorial service in celebration of Libby's life will be held at the First Congregational Church of Winter Park, 225 S. Interlachen Avenue, on September 7 at 11:00 a.m., reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Christian Service Center, Habitat for Humanity of Winter Park/Maitland, or a charity of your choice.