Nancy Ward

Nancy Marie Ward, 72, of Croswell, Michigan passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024 from complications suffered after a stroke.

She was born on September 19, 1952 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Ruby O. (Lajeunesse) and Robert F. Hanna.

Nancy grew up in the heart of Motown Music at West Grand Boulevard and La Salle where she attended St. Agnes School. She would regularly walk a couple blocks over to play cards with Aretha Franklin’s parents on the porch of her childhood home, and would regularly see the Motown Records stars on their way to the studio while walking the boulevard.

She moved with her family to St. Clair Shores in 1969 and graduated South Lake High School in 1970. She met her husband of almost 25 years, Allen Ward Sr., while riding her bike in the neighborhood. They were married in 1972 and raised their two children, Michelle and Allen Jr together. They also suffered the loss of their son Robert who was stillborn. Nancy and Allen Sr. divorced in 1997.

Nancy liked helping out at her children’s school, Harmon Elementary, where she would regularly volunteer as a spelling aid. She enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre and Dame de Pique. She worked at Accurate Alarm after the divorce where she made many new friends. She always had nice things to say about her work friends. After retiring, she would spend time at the St. Clair Shores Senior Center playing cards every Wednesday. She treasured the time she got to spend with her only grandson, Dylan, who would help her do everything from laundry to grocery shopping. She met her best friend, Lee, at one of her post hospital physical therapy stays and they were inseparable ever since.

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Tom Tyrell) Smith; son, Allen (Linda) Ward Jr.; grandson, Dylan Zyrek; former husband, Allen (Deborah) Ward Sr.; and a sister, Deborah (Gary) Lauzon. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby and Robert Hanna; her son, Robert; and her sister, Barbara (Leslie) Allen.

Cremation has taken place and the family has held a private memorial.

Arrangements are by Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com http://pollockrandall.com/