Rosalie Ward

Rosalie Ward

She Left with Style, a Smile, and 3 Tote Bags

Heaven just got a little more fun as Rosalie Ward arrived at the Pearly Gates on Thursday, May 29th, at the age of 87. She came bearing tote bags full of surprises, snacks, and games. She lived up to her affectionate nickname of “Bag Lady” given to her by her nephews, Andy and Mike, because she never visited empty-handed. But fear not, she also left behind a wealth of gifts for family – already wrapped for Christmas! She was a planner and a doer!

She loved family gatherings and interesting games. Her favorite games were word searches, and she had themed word searches for each and every holiday, and she shared them with both family and her TOPS club. And of course, she provided prizes – lots of prizes. She made every dust bunny fear for its life. She was always “running the sweeper” (aka vacuum) and making batches of Spanish rice for all to enjoy, especially for her vegetarian husband, Jack.

She spent 68 years as Jack’s co-pilot, both in life and on road trips. They navigated life together with her reading the map and him at the wheel (and the GPS turned off). She was always extra careful with the weather – texting everyone about potential storms and earning herself another beloved nickname: The Weather Lady . Her warnings were loved by all. She also kept us ON TIME by reminding us about the “Spring Forward” and “Fall Back” time changes, even in this digital age.

Family birthdays were her specialty. If it was your birthday, she would call you at precisely 8am and sing (with Jack) Happy Birthday to You. If your phone didn’t ring on your birthday with their voices singing, were you even born? She once “lost” her birthday when she flew to Australia and crossed the international date line (leaving on Feb 3 and arriving on Feb 5). No worries, though, she still ate cake and always claimed to be 1 year younger!

She never forgot a date, a name, or a chance to make someone smile. She relished sending GIFs, cards and handwritten notes, sharing love and joy; making sure that you knew you were special. She greeted hundreds at the church’s Community Meals on Monday nights, where no one left without cookies and a hug.

She was the BEST MOM, whether giving guidance, sharing an adventure or simply singing You are My Sunshine. She raised Sharon and Sheila with dedication, love and fairness. She also threw in some humor – playing just enough parental mind games to make each daughter think that she was the favorite. Genius. Her mischievousness continued during group photos when she yelled “sex” while everyone else yelled “cheese”, just to spice it up. It was her iconic quip and always elicited huge smiles and laughter.

She was funny. She was faithful. She was fabulous. She was the ultimate people person, and she truly touched many, many lives. The church’s Community Meals on Monday nights will be quieter without her, but Heaven’s dinners just got an upgrade. We know that she is now joking, loving and laughing with those who have gone before her. We know that she is dearly missed, even though her energy and spirit still surround us. We know that we will always smile a little wider in every group photo, since someone is sure to shout out her iconic quip.
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Mary Rosalie Brown was born on February 4, 1938 in Pontiac, Michigan to the late Leo and Viva Brown. She graduated from St. Michael’s high school in June 1957 and married Jack Ward a few days later on June 15th.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jack, beloved daughters, Sharon Ewles (SO, Jeff Green) and Sheila Ward (husband, Joe Whitehead), cherished sister Kathleen Collingwood, and special neighbors/friends, Joe and Paulette Hannenberg. She was like a second mother to Helen (Pender) and Ned Hill, and Anona (Nonie) Tolar. She is further survived by many dear nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Rosalie was preceded in death by brother Richard Brown, sisters Gayle Chaundy, Linda Bolitho, Janice Burda and Joyce Brown, and son-in-law Don Ewles. Also, pre-deceased by father-in-law, John (Lil) Ward, mother-in- law, Helen Ward, brothers-in-law, Richard and James Ward, sisters-in-law, Helen Irene Booth, Marilyn Johnson, Lillian Ward, Susan Acosta, and Pamela Simpson.

Once her daughters reached Jr. High, Rosalie enrolled in and graduated from Mott Community College with a nursing degree. She lovingly and proudly served as a Licensed Practical Nurse, mainly on the Mother-Baby Unit, retiring from Crittenton Hospital (nka Henry Ford) in Rochester, Michigan.

She was very active within her community, serving as Orion Township Deputy Clerk for many years and continued to be active at township meetings.

Rosalie was a member of the Lake Orion TOPS Club and a long term, devoted member of the Lake Orion United Methodist Church (LOUMC). She loved working as the greeter and at the cookie table at the church’s Community Meals every Monday night.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by check to Lake Orion United Methodist Church, with “Community Meals/Rosalie” in the memo line; sent to: LOUMC; 140 E. Flint Street, Lake Orion, MI 48362. Envelopes will also be available at the visitation and service.

Funeral services will he held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lake Orion United Methodist Church.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home and on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.