Irene Ward

Elizabeth Irene Ward (Irene), of Hampstead, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster, MD. Born on August 1, 1955, in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of the late Dorsey Ward Sr. and Ethel Rainey Ward of Baltimore.

Irene was a graduate of Woodlawn High School, Class of 1973. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in 1998 as well as a Master's Degree in Finance at the same college in 2006.

She began working at Carroll Community College in 2009. She later became the Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official. Irene's dedication and expertise assisted veterans to reach collegiate success. Her impact lasted beyond the veterans' graduation and her retirement in 2022. Prior to that, Irene worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital as a Financial Administrator for 27 years.

On her own time, she was a talented painter. She also enjoyed shopping, particularly for antiques, and looking for the "perfect gift" for friends and family. She was also a passionate beach-goer. She loved all animals, particularly her cat, Leo.

Surviving her are children Russell W. Ward of Reisterstown and Kelly E. Ward of Woodbridge, Virginia, brother Dorsey Ward Jr. (Angela) of Concord, NC and sister Louise Fisher (Bill) of Westminster.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, March 24 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the Eckhardt Funeral Chapel, P.A., 3296 Charmil Drive, Manchester, MD 21102. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene's name may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at DONATIONSUPPORT@T2T.ORG