Carol J. Ward

Carol J. Ward of East Greenwich, RI passed away peacefully at her home on May 13th, with her lifelong companion, protector, and devoted husband by her side. Carol’s life will be remembered for her unwavering love, loyalty, selflessness, and generosity— to her husband, sons, daughters-in-law, grandsons, siblings, nieces, nephews, friends, and community.

Carol was born on December 14, 1955 in Troy, New York to Ellsworth and Mary Martin. One of seven children, she was raised in Wynantskill, New York surrounded by a close-knit family.  Though she eventually left New York, Carol never let distance keep her from being there when it mattered most —returning home for holidays, birthdays, and whenever her family needed her support, even if sometimes showing up a little later than planned.  Carol was proud of the connections she formed, maintaining strong friendships and bonds with many lifelong friends from her early childhood.

Carol met the love of her life, Rick Ward, on her 19th birthday in upstate New York. Carol and Rick’s devotion to one another spanned more than five decades across three states (New York, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island). They built a family on the foundation of love, laughter, and great memories. Carol and Rick’s vows were unbreakable—steadfast through joy and challenge, in good times and hardship, in sickness and in health. No sacrifice was too great to ensure their mutual health, safety, and happiness, no more evident than during her courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Carol’s three boys, Rick Jr., Matthew, and Brendon, were the center of her world and her proudest achievement. Carol eventually welcomed the “three best daughters-in-law” into her family, finally realizing her dream of having a daughter (or three). Carol was further blessed with four cherished grandsons (with a fifth arriving soon).

Carol was a licensed physical therapist and devoted much of her career to working with children and enabling them to achieve incredible milestones. Parents would often write to Carol thanking her for helping their child learn how to roll-over, crawl, walk, run, play, or use their new wheelchair or assistive crutches. She instilled in her own children the importance of acceptance, supporting those in need, and being a servant leader in the community.

Carol is survived by her devoted husband Rick, children Rick Jr. (Elizabeth), Matthew (Keenan), and Brendon (Gemma), cherished grandsons, Richie, Julien, Shane, and Mitchell, her brothers Edward (Judy), Donald (Chris), and Thomas (Mary Ellen), sisters Theresa (Flip) Fennelly, Patsy Maguire, and Joanne (Al) Allen, sisters-in-law Susan (Wayne) Mattison and Diane (Jack) Karol, several nieces and nephews, and friends spanning her three ‘home’ states.  Carol was predeceased by her parents, Ellsworth and Mary Martin, father-in-law and mother-in-law Richard and Mary Ward,  and brothers-in-law Flip Fennelly and Wayne Mattison.

Funeral Service Thursday May 22, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Fagan Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Rd., North Kingstown under the direction of the HILL – SKEFFINGTON FUNERAL HOME OF EAST GREENWICH. Burial will be private. Calling Hours: will be held prior to the service from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Beacon Hospice, an Amedisys Company, Meadows Professional Office Park, 1130 Ten Rod Road, Suite A205, North Kingstown, RI 02852, or on their website: https://www.amedisys.com/services/hospice-care/donations/ . Additionally, the family has requested you honor her memory by performing kind acts of love, loyalty, selflessness, and generosity.