Marie Colette Ward

Marie Colette Ward, known to all as Colette, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 8, 2025, at her home in Prescott, Arizona, at the age of 91. Born on February 11, 1934, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Alice and Fred Speitel, Colette’s life was defined by her boundless love, deep convictions, and unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Colette grew up in Elizabeth alongside her sister, Priscilla. She was a bright and creative spirit, graduating from Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown, New Jersey, where she majored in English and immersed herself in the university’s vibrant theater program. It was during a vacation on Long Beach Island that she met the love of her life, John “Jack” M. Ward, a dental school student. They married in 1956, embarking on a partnership that would span more than five decades.

In the early years of their marriage, Colette taught English to grammar school students, but her greatest joy came in raising their six children. Colette and Jack settled in Westfield, New Jersey, where Jack opened his orthodontic practice. In time, their home became a place where love and care were abundant, where the values of kindness, fairness, and community were instilled in their children. Later, they moved to Watchung, New Jersey, and after Jack’s retirement, they spent several years in Vero Beach, Florida before moving to Prescott, Arizona in 1996.

Raised Catholic, Colette was guided by her faith and her belief in social justice. Throughout her life, she was passionate about addressing the root causes of poverty, advocating for racial and gender equality, and supporting urban renewal initiatives. She opened her home to underprivileged children, believing that every individual deserves dignity and opportunity. Her children were encouraged to join her in protests and projects aimed at building a more equitable world. Colette’s home was always one of fairness - where chores were shared, and all voices mattered, regardless of gender or background.

An avid reader and a dedicated writer, Colette never stopped learning. Her love for books began early, and she spent countless hours at the local library, diving into new worlds. In her later years, she honed her craft by taking writing classes and joining local writing groups. Her literary talents culminated in two novels, Strange Crossroads and Shadows of Deception, both of which reflected her sharp intellect and vivid imagination.

Colette was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jack, in 2010, and by her cherished daughter, Jacqueline Ward (Dusty Sanford) of Piedmont, California, in 2023. She is survived by her five remaining children: Brian Ward (Wendy) of Norwalk, Connecticut; Sarah Ward (Mark Massey) of Hobe Sound, Florida; John Ward (Judy Pan) of Oakland, California; Jane Burroughs (Bob) of Tucson, Arizona; and Gretchen Donovan (Lyle) of Encinitas, California. Colette is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Hadley, Oliver, and Duncan Ward; Mary Massey; Elizabeth and James Ward; Nicolas Trivigno; Anna and Grace Sanford; and Tulio, Brendan, and Matilda Donovan.

A gathering to celebrate Colette’s extraordinary life will be held in the near future, where friends and family will come together to remember her kindness, intellect, and unwavering dedication to love, justice, and community.