Sarah A. Ward's Obituary
Sarah Aument Ward, age 80, born June 26, 1937, passed away at home on August 12, 2017, surrounded by family after a courageous battle against cancer. Sarah grew up in East Grand Rapids, graduated with honors from University of Michigan, and arrived in Muskegon after marrying Richard D. McCormick. She enjoyed sailing on White Lake with her new friends and growing family. Many summer days were spent picnicking at the Lake Michigan beach, Bay Mills, and camping at Ludington State Park. Winter weekends were spent cross country skiing and even snurfing, around our great state park system. She worked at the Muskegon YFCA for years before retiring in 1985. Sarah was preceded in death by Richard McCormick in 1978. In 1981, she met James D. Ward and they married in 1983, beginning a wonderful new chapter of family and friends. She and Jim settled on a farm in St. Johns, Michigan. They enjoyed raising bees, and produced 1,500 pounds of honey each year. The bee keeping was closely supervised by her favorite pet, Gertrude the pig. During the winters, she and Jim ice fished on nearby lakes, and cross country skied out the back door because they could! Sarah was preceded in death by Jim Ward in 2001. With an open horizon ahead of her, Sarah returned to West Michigan, settling in Whitehall to be near her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She became involved in St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Muskegon, and her friendships flourished. Her church activities included Senior Warden, Altar Guild, lector, and proud member of St Paul's trivia team, The Saints. Sarah was deeply involved with other groups including quilting, her bookie friends, and she shelved books at the local library, supporting her love and passion for reading. Sarah tutored Whitehall students for years in reading. Sarah is survived by sister, Katherine Aziz, and brother Daniel Aument, her children, Dillon McCormick, Dan McCormick, Jim Ward, and was preceded in death by her son, John McCormick. Her grandchildren include Abby and Spencer McCormick, Josh Ward, Rachel Masker, Henry Pletcher, and Dillon Bremer. Two great-granddaughters, Ruby Masker and Madison Ward, round out the family. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal church in Muskegon, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 17th. A combined luncheon and visitation with the family will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice,1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49441 or Pound Buddies, 1300 E. Keating Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 or the White Lake Community Library, 3900 White Lake Dr., Whitehall, MI 49461
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